Chandon de Briailles : Corton Grand cru 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Corton Grand Cru 2021 from Chandon de Briailles

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a bright pale gold hue with subtle highlights, characteristic of high-quality Chardonnays.

Nose

The bouquet opens with delicate floral notes accompanied by a touch of citrus. With aeration, aromas of ripe yellow fruits emerge, notably peach and apricot, enhanced by a subtle hint of honey that enriches the aromatic expression.

Palate

On the palate, this white wine charms with its remarkable breadth and roundness. Liveliness and freshness are fully expressed, supported by a fine mineral presence reflecting the influence of limestone soils. Fruity aromas blend harmoniously with floral notes, offering captivating complexity. The finish lingers with notes of lemon zest and a refreshing minerality.

Food and wine pairings

This white Corton Grand Cru pairs beautifully with lobster in beurre blanc, guinea fowl stuffed with morels, or capon in a white wine sauce. It also elegantly complements fine fish such as sole or turbot prepared with delicate sauces.

Serving and cellaring

This Corton Grand Cru 2021 can be enjoyed now, but it also has excellent aging potential thanks to its mineral structure and balanced acidity. It will gain in complexity after a few years of cellar aging.

The refinement and structure of a white Corton Grand Cru

The estate

Founded in 1834 in Burgundy, Domaine Chandon de Briailles spans 13.7 hectares across the Côte de Beaune, in Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton, with 12 crus including Corton. A pioneer in biodynamics as early as 2005 and Demeter-certified since 2011, this estate, run since 2001 by Claude and François de Nicolay, practices horse plowing and minimalist, natural winemaking.

The vineyard

This Corton Grand Cru white comes from a unique location within the appellation. Chardonnay is grown on terroirs historically devoted to Pinot Noir, notably in the sectors of Bressandes (80%), Chaumes (15%) and Renardes (5%). This distinctive feature gives the wine an atypical texture and roundness. The deep soils, balanced between limestone and clay, bring richness and complexity to this outstanding white wine. The vineyard is entirely farmed under certified biodynamic practices.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Burgundy began with a winter marked by an exceptionally severe frost episode. A milder spring allowed flowering at the end of May. June and July were particularly rainy, followed by unstable weather from mid-July to mid-August. Despite these contrasting conditions, the grapes reached beautiful ripeness, offering freshness and balance.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking for the Corton Grand Cru 2021 takes place in barrels, demi-muids and 10-hectoliter foudre on the lees. Aging lasts 15 to 18 months in these same wooden vessels, keeping the wine in constant contact with the fine lees. No new oak is used and no batonnage is carried out, helping preserve the wine’s refined elegance and freshness. This minimalist approach favors a pure expression of fruit and terroir without excessive oak influence.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay