DRC adds Corton-Charlemagne to portfolio

Renowned Burgundian estate Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has leased a small parcel of Corton-Charlemagne from Domaine Bonneau-du-Martray, adding another famed white grand cru to its holdings.

Aubert de Villaine. Credit: Jonas Fredwall Karlsson

The top-flight domaine has leased a seven-acre (2.8 hectare) plot of grand cru Corton-Charlemagne from another prestigious producer in the appellation, Bonneau-du-Martray.

As first reported in US publication Wine Spectator, Bonneau-du-Martray is looking to slightly lower its production and estate manager, Armand de Maigret, was seeking a partner to farm the small plot but who would also stick to its biodynamic principles.

Approached by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which also farms biodynamically, the choice seems to have made itself, with de Maigret adding that the domaine’s involvement with the appellation was “very good for Corton Charlemagne”.

The news was confirmed to the drinks business by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s UK agent, Corney & Barrow, where director Adam Brett-Smith said it was a chance for “Aubert [de Villaine] and the team to show their mettle on one of the great white wines of the world.”

The lease adds to Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s very small white wine portfolio.

The domaine owns a slice, less than a hectare large, of Le Montrachet, which is one of if not the most renowned white grand cru terroir in Burgundy and, by extension, the world. The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet is likewise one of the most expensive and sought-after white wines in the market.

The addition of white wines from Corton Charlemagne also complements the domaine’s existing red production from the AOC, as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has leased several small plots in Corton from Domaine Prince Florent de Mérode since 2008.

The first vintage of Corton-Charlemagne that the domaine will release is expected to be the 2019.