Domaine Faiveley
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Legend has it that the Corton hillside was once planted exclusively with red grape variety and that Charlemagne himself had a penchant for these wines. Unfortunately, the red wine left scarlet stains on the Emperor’s beard and his wife feared that this would bring shame upon the royal dignity. Charlemagne, therefore, decided to replant the vineyards with white grape variety in order to continue drinking his favorite wine. Our family purchased this parcel in 1874 along with the Corton “Clos des Cortons Faiveley” Grand Cru Monopole.
Plot - 0.87 ha. The vines thrive and flourish in an elaborate patchwork of four parcels with diverse terroirs located in Le Corton and Le Rognet et Corton. The eastern soils of the appellation consist of clay, while the upper slopes are characterised by grey marl. This terroir produces deep, mineral wines. The altitude difference between the lowest (305 m) and highest (360 m) plots of Charlemagne creates subtle variations that contribute to the unique character of this Grand Cru.
- Region
- Bourgogne
- Appellation
- Côte de Beaune
- Sub-Appellation
- Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru AOP
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay
- Aging
- 18 months in French oak barrels, 50-60% new oak, with frequent stirring.
- Alcohol
- 13%
The nose reveals oaky, fruity, and floral notes. The palate is concentrated and well-balanced with excellent aromatic persistency. The rich aromas make this Grand Cru enjoyable in its youth although it only develops its full character after a few years of bottle age. An exceptional wine with depth and minerality.
James Suckling
99 Points
2024
"What a youthful, vinous nose. Complex aromas of minerals, brioche, pastry, green pears, lime zest and stone fruit. Subtle, concentrated and very intense, with a medium to full body and a super-long finish lasting a minute. It goes on and on without being extreme. Lots going on and more to come in the next 10 years. Attractive but very youthful now. Better to wait for more complexity. Drink from 2030."
— Zekun Shuai, 2026
Wine Spectator
97 Points
2024
"A rich version, whose creamy texture envelops flavors of peach, pear, lemon, white flowers, stone, vanilla and toasty oak. Fluid and impeccably balanced, with a detailed aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spices, all defined by vibrant acidity. Best from 2028 through 2042."
— Bruce Sanderson, 2026
