Corton-Charlemagne is a Grand cru vineyard located in the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny in the Côte de Beaune wine region. The wines produced in this area have been recognized for generations as amongst the most expensive of their type. The area has the distinction of having been amongst Charlemagne's personal land holdings, so prized was its terroir, even in that day.
The appellation of Corton-Charlemagne is located on the higher ground of a hilltop that stretches between the Burgundian villages of Ladoix-Serrigny and Pernand-Vergelesses. The slopes planted with the most valuable vineyards are south-east facing on the hilltop, and the land gradually slopes down towards the major French highway Route 74. The majority of grapes grown in this area for white wine production are Chardonnay, but a small amount of pinot blanc is also planted.
Corton-Charlemagne ages well and can command very high prices, particularly for properly aged and stored examples.
