The hill of

Corton

An outstanding location

As the only Burgundy Grand Cru facing west, the Charlemagne climate has the particularity of looking towards the setting sun and enjoying the sun's rays for many hours. The vines, located at about 1,000 feet in altitude, escape the dragging morning fog: To the east lays the Saône plain, enabling morning light to quickly reach the hillside; In the west, draughts flow down from the valleys and provide permanent ventilation. Thus, positioned at the crossroads of varied and beneficial influences, the grapes - products of light rather than heat - reach optimal maturity, essential to deliver great wines. 

From this union between light, wind and soil, wines are born with exceptional character and ability to age.

In the heart of

Charlemagne

Where Le Charlemagne
meets En Charlemagne

Two great wines, a vineyard in one location, a unique philosophy since 1835 and even beyond, Domaine Bonneau du Martray has established its excellence over the years among lovers of great wines, in Burgundy, and around the world.

The Domaine's vines, mainly planted with chardonnay but also with pinot noir, are only found on the hill of Corton. As a result, the Domaine's team is dedicated to creating only the best: the great wines of Corton-Charlemagne and Corton.

Domaine Bonneau du Martray's vineyard, a singular swath of vines atop the hill of Corton, flourishes on an exceptional site: the high slopes of the Charlemagne climate, on the side of the village of Pernand-Vergelesses - in the place called En Charlemagne - and that of the village of Aloxe-Corton - in the place called Le Charlemagne. Domaine Bonneau du Martray is also one of the very few producers to produce a Corton, a Grand Cru red wine, on the west side of the hill of Corton.

The weight of twelve centuries of history rests on this domain, and therefore instils a definite sensitivity to this exceptional place, which ultimately compels Domaine Bonneau du Martray to share the same philosophy of excellence that has reigned there since its creation.

A vineyard in

3 microclimates

The most complete expression of Corton-Charlemagne

Within a remarkable landscape, this vineyard rounds off the hill of Corton on its western side. The vines to the west are exposed to the sun from mid-morning until sunset, a very rare feature in Burgundy since it is the only Grand Cru facing west.

The different stages of the geological life have cracked the limestone base at different levels of the hillside. These fractures control the circulation of water which conditions the type of soil and its evolution, allowing to keep the vines dry after the rain. The air circulation caused by the neighbouring hills and the combes of Pernand-Vergelesses airs out the vineyard and preserves the freshness of the grapes. The forest on top of the hill of Corton allows the water to be channelled to the vineyards and bringing a rich ecosystem to its dirt.

Domaine Bonneau du Martray has identified 3 microclimates and highlighted 9 distinct soil types in the top, heart and bottom of the hill.  

A patchwork of soils in which false clays, silts, false marls and limestone rock bands play a variable role, sometimes a few metres away. This privileged location allows it to define all the "sequences" of this terroir: altitude, lateral positioning, exposure, geology, slope inclination, soil drainage, etc.

The resulting intricacies of each parcel compose a mosaic of soils with very different needs and outcomes; thus, only a precise viticulture applied throughout this vineyard can match the complexity and diversity of the site. Only such a precision in farming will deliver the required transparency to reveal the character of this great terroir.

These micro-vineyards are like many musical notes, they each bring a nuance that promotes an overall harmony to be achieved: the parcels at the foot of the forest give the wine a crystalline aspect, with floral and citrus fruit notes. The vines in the heart of the hill structure the wine and bring grain to it, while the parcels at the bottom of the hill, richer in minerals, bring up the power of Charlemagne.

The entirety of this vineyard expresses the most authentic representation of Charlemagne's terroir.

Respectful of the great cycles that govern life, the Domaine has been certified in biodynamic viticulture since 2013 (Demeter) with a constant search for harmony between the different elements.

The Domaine is committed to the need for truth throughout its work in the vineyards and in the cellar. Its ambition is to express without false humility, all the subtleties and elegance of the great wines of Corton-Charlemagne and Corton.