Domaine Caroline Frey : Aloxe-Corton 1er cru "Les Petites Lolières" 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru "Les Petites Lolières" 2020 from Domaine Caroline Frey

Tasting

Color

This wine reveals a deep ruby-red hue with garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose shows lovely aromatic complexity, with notes of concentrated red and black fruits, notably cherry and blackcurrant. Nuances of leather, sweet spices, and minerality enhance the bouquet, alongside subtle, well-integrated oaky touches.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a balanced, elegant structure. The tannins are present yet silky, delivering the fine texture characteristic of Burgundian Pinot Noir. The fruit’s generosity is expressed fully, supported by a pleasing freshness that lends lift to the overall profile. The finish lingers with aromas of ripe fruit and spices.

Food and wine pairings

This premier cru pairs perfectly with red meats such as a rib steak or a tournedos. It also elegantly complements game dishes such as roast pigeon or duck with figs and a Port reduction. Aged firm cheeses such as Comté, as well as washed-rind cheeses like Époisses, also make excellent partners.

Serving and cellaring

The Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru "Les Petites Lolières" 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. This wine can be enjoyed now, yet it also has cellaring potential through around 2035. It will reach its peak after five to ten years of aging in the cellar.

A Burgundy premier cru combining concentration and elegance

The estate

The Domaine Caroline Frey was founded in 2014 with the acquisition of Château Corton-André by the Frey family, already owners of Château La Lagune in Bordeaux and Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhône Valley. Located in the heart of Burgundy, in Aloxe-Corton in the Côte de Beaune, the estate spans seven hectares across thirteen prestigious appellations, including Grands Crus and Premiers Crus. Caroline Frey immediately began converting the vineyard to biodynamic farming, obtaining Biodyvin certification in 2021. Since July 2025, her sister Delphine Frey has led the estate, carrying on the philosophy of caring viticulture and respect for the terroir initiated by Caroline.

The vineyard

The Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru "Les Petites Lolières" comes from a climat located in the commune of Ladoix-Serrigny, covering approximately 1.64 hectares. The vines grow on clay-limestone soils enriched with potassium and phosphorus, scattered with limestone debris and flint. Planted at an altitude between 200 and 300 meters, they benefit from an ideal south to southeast exposure. The estate practices certified biodynamic viticulture, favoring mechanical soil work and organic crop-protection treatments. Green harvesting helps limit yields to promote grape concentration.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage proved to be the hottest recorded since 1959, with exceptional temperatures throughout the year. The particularly mild winter led to early budbreak. Despite these remarkable thermal conditions, rainfall remained close to average. Bunch closure occurred around June 23 in the most advanced parcels. This year produced grapes of great concentration and fine expressiveness, with generous flavor profiles while retaining an appreciable freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest for the Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru "Les Petites Lolières" 2020 was carried out by hand on August 26 and 27, 2020. After rigorous sorting, the grapes were transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. Vinification took place in temperature-controlled, egg-shaped concrete vats, encouraging the natural circulation of lees. Alcoholic fermentation occurred in these vats, while malolactic fermentation took place in French oak barrels. Aging then continued for fifteen months in barrels, allowing harmonious oak integration and the development of aromatic complexity.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir