Domaine du Pavillon, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France, 2019

Producer Profile

Located south of Pommard, Domaine du Pavillon is Albert Bichot’s flagship Côte de Beaune estate.

The domaine covers 19.5 hectares, with vineyards across some of the Côte de Beaune’s most renowned appellations, including Meursault, Pommard, Volnay, Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, with holdings in some of the region’s finest vineyard sites. The estate itself includes vineyards, a winery, cellars and an 18th-century manor surrounded by walls. Almost 4 hectares are dedicated to the domaine’s production of Pommard Clos des Ursulines monopole. Organic viticulture is practised throughout the estate, while the winery was modernised in 2016, allowing individual parcels to be vinified separately and with greater precision.

Viticulture

This Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is sourced from Domaine du Pavillon's 2.97-hectare holding within the renowned Languettes climat on the south to south-east facing slopes of the Corton hill. The 35 to 40-year-old Chardonnay vines are planted in brown limestone soils over Argovian marls, benefiting from excellent sun exposure that consistently produces wines of both power and remarkable finesse.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before undergoing gentle pressing to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, followed by extended ageing on fine lees, creating a wine with exceptional complexity, texture and depth while maintaining balance and precision. The wine is aged on fine lees in French oak barrels for 14 to 16 months, with 30% to 35% new oak. This ageing regime contributes richness, structure and subtle spice while allowing the vineyard's Grand Cru character to remain at the forefront.

Tasting Note

Powerful yet beautifully refined, this Grand Cru Chardonnay offers layers of white and yellow orchard fruit, citrus and exotic fruit aromas, complemented by hints of spice, butter, honey and flinty minerality. Richly concentrated on the palate, it combines impressive depth with remarkable balance and precision, culminating in an exceptionally long and elegant finish.

Food matching

Magnificent with lobster thermidor, scallops in lobster bisque, roast guinea fowl or foie gras with brioche.