1,000 YEARS AGO
THE EMPEROR CHARLEMAGNE AND OUR HILL OF CORTON (-CHARLEMAGNE)
Our Corton wines are the ambassadors of the Domaine and of Burgundy too thanks to imperial recognition of Corton Hill by Emperor Charlemagne who in part gave it its name 1,000-odd years ago. We are privileged to be one of the major producers on this terroir which has world-wide renown. The land has a rich variety of plots. We cultivate nearly 5.5 hectares here, (c.13.5 acres) including no less that 2 hectares of Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru (c.5 acres) and 3.5 hectares of Corton Grand Cru red (c.8.5 acres). The wines produced from this imposing hill hold a special place in our hearts and we give them our utmost care and attention.
A brief history
The Carolingian Empire was vast and included present-day Burgundy. In 775 AD the Emperor Charlemagne donated vineyards to the collegiate church at Saulieu. This past has left traces in local toponymy as there is a plot called « En Charlemagne » on the Corton hill which no doubt refers to a gift of the Emperor. The first evidence of the existence of vineyards on the Corton hill dates back to the 9th century. The Rule of Saint Benedict became widespread during this period and religious influence is illustrated in the name « Vigne-Dieu » (God’s vine) which is a small plot in the Languettes climat in Corton-Charlemagne where the Domaine d’Ardhuy owns a hillside parcel.