Corton Bressandes

Grand Cru

Specifications

CHARACTERISTICS

THE LAND

Corton is the only red Grand Cru of the Côte de Beaune.
The Corton Bressandes plot is planted on the lower part of the Corton Grands Crus hill. Facing South-East and on a slight gradient, the Pinot noir vine-stocks thrive on a quite stony chalky clay soil.
Half of them are some fifty years old, some sixty years for the other half. These low yield old vines produce superb wines in which the strength and power of the Corton vineyards are to be found, softened by the finesse and elegance of the Pinot noir.

WINE GROWING

Ploughing between the rows and passage of a blade between the vine plants under the row to control competing vegetation.
Leaf-thinning by hand on the side facing the rising sun.
Single Guyot pruning.

WINE MAKING AND AGEING

Harvested by hand and sorted by the vines, the grapes are 100% de-stemmed before being placed in an open oak cask.
Maceration and wine-making last between 15 and 18 days. Cap-punching and recoopering are carried out daily during the alcoholic fermentation.
It is aged in oak barrels, 30% of which are new, for 16 to 18 months. The malolactic fermentation is carried out to 100%.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Dark ruby colour with the density of magenta. Ample and complex, its bouquet is expressed over fruity (blueberry, gooseberry, kirsch) or flowery (violet) accents, moving toward undergrowth, animals, leather, fur, pepper and liquorice. To the palate, it is powerful and full-bodied, structured to give it good keeping potential.

HARMONIOUS FOOD/WINE COMBINATIONS

Solid and opulent, the Corton is a figure emblematic of Burgundy, with great complexity made both of sensuality and of structure. Without doubt, it is with strongly-flavoured meat that it will be at its best, playing in the same key of strength and intense flavour: with roasted or grilled beefand and all gamebirds and animals, roasted, braised and, of course, in a sauce.
Serving temperature: 15 to 16 °C.
Consumption: 5 to 20 years, depending on storage conditions (humidity, temperature).