"Corton Charlemagne is the only vineyard in Burgundy bearing the name of two emperors : Corton comes from Courthon, itself derived from the Gallo-Roman Curtis (estate) and Otho, the emperor who inherited it. Charlemagne, the famous emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, was once the proprietor of the vineyard. Corton Charlemagne is magnificently situated on an impressive hill dominating the village of Aloxe-Corton. As the slope turns from East to West, most of the vineyards face due South. Joseph Drouhin has an estate in Corton Charlemagne. The utmost care is given to the vines : low yields, no fertilizer, no weed killer. Ploughing and leaf removal are used when necessary. The wine-making techniques are traditional : barrel fermentation, ageing in oak barrels. Corton Charlemagne is a strong, rich and luscious wine, very long and persistent on the palate. It has a lovely intense golden hue, even when young. Often, the nose profers aromas such as cinnamon, green walnuts, pepper, exotic fruit and amber. There is someting massive about this wine, and no word can truly describe the awe that it inspires. Corton Charlemagne benefits from long cellaring : it should not be drunk before 4 to 5 years of age and can keep very well 10 to 15 years."www.drouhin.com
