2007 Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

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.

When the fruit is received at the winery, a light crushing of the berries takes place before pressing. This allows a gentle extraction of the aromatic quintessence of the vintage. After settling, fermentation takes place in a combination of new and aged French oak barrels. Each barrel is followed with great care until its first racking. At this stage the blending starts.

The resulting lots continue their ageing on their fine lees through a second winter. At the end of this period, the wine is racked a second time to separate its remaining lees. It is then moved to tanks for two additional months to assure homogenization. The wine is finally bottled during a waning phase of the moon.