Domaine Bonneau du Martray : Corton Grand cru 2001

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Corton Grand Cru 2001 from Domaine Bonneau du Martray

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance displays a deep red color.

Nose

The nose is refined and complex, revealing abundant aromas of black fruit such as black cherry, blackcurrant, and blackberry. Secondary notes of dried blood and cola add extra complexity to the aromatic bouquet.

Palate

The palate is medium-bodied with a refined rather than powerful structure. Fresh acidity brings liveliness and structure, while the tannins are ripe and appropriate, expressing finesse and restraint rather than astringency. The texture harmoniously integrates these elements with a supple fruit delivery and persistence that extends to the finish with mineral support and lingering notes of red fruit. The wine expresses precision and definition, characteristics testifying to an authentic expression of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Corton Grand Cru 2001 pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled red meats, particularly beef. Furred game dishes such as deer, wild boar, or hare, as well as feathered game, make for particularly successful traditional pairings, whether roasted or braised with wine sauces. The wine also elegantly accompanies mushroom dishes, especially with porcini or truffles, as well as poultry in sauce like coq au vin or duck à l'orange. Certain ripened soft washed-rind cheeses like Époisses de Bourgogne offer a harmonious regional pairing.

Service and storage

The Corton Grand Cru 2001 can be enjoyed until approximately 2023 or beyond for properly stored bottles.

An elegant and mineral Burgundian Corton Grand Cru

The estate

Domaine Bonneau du Martray represents one of the most historically significant producers in Burgundy, with a winemaking heritage dating back over twelve centuries. Located on the Corton hill between the communes of Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton, the estate stands out as the only Burgundian property exclusively dedicated to producing Grand Cru wines from a single contiguous 11-hectare vineyard site. In January 2017, American businessman Stanley Kroenke acquired a majority stake in the estate, while the Le Bault de la Morinière family retained a stake and strategic presence. The estate obtained Demeter biodynamic certification in 2013, reflecting its commitment to authentic terroir expression and sustainable viticulture.

The vineyard

The Corton vineyard extends over the Corton hill, benefiting from exceptional south-east to south-west exposure which contrasts with the usual north-south orientation of Burgundian slopes. This unique configuration offers prolonged and balanced sunshine throughout the day. The estate cultivates its plots between 220 and over 300 meters in altitude, thus capturing the hill's geological diversity. Soils vary by altitude: the lower parts present a reddish and stony character derived from brown limestone with potassium-rich marl deposits, particularly favorable to Pinot Noir, while the upper parts are characterized by white marls rich in limestone with reduced iron and clay concentrations. The Bois de Corton at the summit protects the highest plots from cold north winds while facilitating air circulation.

The vintage

The 2001 vintage in Burgundy stems from a complex and demanding growing season. The winter was cold and wet, followed by a spring marked by cool and damp conditions that caused late and uneven flowering, spread over a prolonged period. July proved mixed, while a devastating hailstorm on August 2 hit certain areas of the Côte de Beaune. Late August brought a heatwave favoring ripeness, although less extreme than in previous vintages. Harvests were authorized on September 17 for the Côte de Beaune, with improved weather conditions after September 28. Red grapes presented modest sugar levels, generally between 11.5 and 12.5% potential alcohol, but demonstrated satisfactory fruit quality, normal acidity, and appropriately ripe tannins.

Winemaking and aging

Harvesting is carried out manually with rigorous grape sorting. The estate practices plot-by-plot vinification by recognizing and vinifying the slope's three distinct microclimatic zones separately before proceeding with the final blend. This approach allows for the optimization of extraction and fermentation parameters specific to the characteristics of each microclimatic zone of the Corton Grand Cru 2001.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir