Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Faiveley 2018

Producer Information

A love of wine has been passed on from one Faiveley generation to the next for more than 180 years. The Domaine has always remained in the same family and today Erwan and Eve, the 7th generation of the Faiveley family, are at the helm and are keen to respect the traditions and savoir-faire of the family while looking to the future.

Domaine Faiveley believes that the quality of the wines comes from the fruit. To make sure they are able to get the best fruit and resulting wines, the team has invested in separate winemaking and viticulture teams in the Côte d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise, fine-tuned their barrel selection, and built a state-of-the-art winery in Mercurey. Last year, the family completed the renovation of their cellars in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges.

The result is classic Burgundies with wonderful longevity, aromatics and an unique, elegant style. Recognised as one of the finest producers in Burgundy, the Domaine continues to go from strength to strength under Erwan and Eve.

Vineyards

The legend goes that all the hillside in Corton was once planted with red grapes. This plot belonged to the Emperor Charlemagne who delighted in the produce of his vines. Unfortunately, the wine would run down his long beard, leaving bright red stains. His wife, wanting to uphold royal dignity, complained to her husband about his love of wine. To keep the peace in his household, Charlemagne had his vines ripped out and had white grapes replanted. In future, he could satisfy his love of Corton, without spoiling his snowy-white beard and without suffering his wife’s reproaches.

Total Surface Area: 71ha
Exposition: South, South-West
Soil: Grey Marls

Domaine Faiveley surface area: 0ha 61a – (1.52 acres)
Years the vines were planted: 1961, 1988
Average annual production: 3,200 bottles

Winemaking

The hand picked harvest is transported with care to the cellars in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The wine is then vinified and matured in oak barrels for 14-16 months, in nineteenth century vaulted cellars which provide ideal conditions for raising wines. The proportion of new oak, which is susceptible to variations according to the vintage, represents on average two thirds of the cuvée. The barrels, which come from high-quality barrel makers, have been rigorously selected for their fine grain and light toast.

Vintage Information

2018, an extravagant and early ripening vintage with extraordinary harvests. We began the harvests on the 27th of August (the earliest since 2003) in the Côte Chalonnaise with our Mercurey and our « Clos des Cortons Faiveley » Grand Cru. We began harvesting our other Grands Crus on the 3rd of September. The harvests came to a close on the 15th of September. The vines displayed excellent health conditions, the clusters were dense and perfectly ripe. A very classic vintage that can be enjoyed in its youth and is already drinking beautifully.

Tasting Note

The nose reveals oaky, fruity and floral notes. The palate is concentrated and well-balanced with excellent aromatic persistency. The rich aromas make this Grand Cru enjoyable in its youth although it only develops its full character after a few years of bottle age. An exceptional wine with depth and minerality.

Food Pairing

Farm-bred chicken in a creamy sauce, veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms, truffled foie gras, duck à l'orange, salmon in a sorrel sauce, grilled lobster.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 10°C. Cellaring Potential: 8 to 12 years

Côte de Beaune, Grand Cru
100% Chardonnay
Cork
Yes
No

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