Description
Domaine Berthelemot, based in Meursault, is a relatively recent but highly regarded estate in Burgundy, known for its meticulous vineyard work and refined, terroir-focused wines. Working with organically farmed vineyards across the Côte de Beaune, the domaine has quickly established a reputation for precision and balance, particularly in its white wines. Their approach combines careful grape selection with restrained winemaking, aiming to express each site with clarity and finesse.
The Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 comes from one of Burgundy’s most iconic white wine appellations, located on the Corton hill, where vineyards benefit from altitude, exposure and limestone-rich soils. This terroir is renowned for producing Chardonnay of great tension, minerality and ageing potential. The 2021 vintage, shaped by cooler conditions, emphasises freshness, acidity and a more classic, linear expression of the site.
The vineyard soils, dominated by marl and limestone, contribute to the wine’s structure and distinctive mineral backbone. These conditions, combined with the altitude of the Grand Cru slopes, help preserve acidity and aromatic lift, resulting in wines that are both powerful and precise. Domaine Berthelemot’s parcels are carefully managed to ensure optimal ripeness while maintaining balance.
Vinification follows a traditional Burgundian approach, with gentle pressing and fermentation in oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. Ageing takes place in French oak (with a moderate proportion of new barrels), allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Lees ageing further enhances mouthfeel and integration.
In the glass, the 2021 reveals a pale gold colour and an elegant aromatic profile of lemon zest, green apple and white peach, layered with notes of white flowers, hazelnut and subtle toast. The palate is taut and structured, with vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral drive that carries through to a long, saline finish. Despite its precision, there is underlying depth and concentration, promising excellent evolution over time.
A benchmark expression of Corton-Charlemagne, this wine is built for ageing, developing greater complexity over a decade or more. It pairs beautifully with refined dishes such as lobster, scallops, turbot or creamy poultry preparations, showcasing the harmony between power, elegance and terroir that defines great white Burgundy.
