Etienne Delarche Corton Charlemagne 2023

IMPORTER NOTES:

TASTING: “Aromas of light spice, crushed stones, lime and lemon zest. Starts fresh, tangy; with air, more complex and layered flavors of citrus and crushed stones. Long and silky on the finish. (Pair with) rich seafood or shellfish; white meat in cream sauce; aged French cheese"

VINEYARDS: “The family’s few rows of older vines (50+ years) in this grand cru face west, and sit at the top of the slope. Soils are predominantly gray marl.”

WINEMAKING: “Hand-harvested. Destemmed and pressed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. Aged in barrel for 14 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.”

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: "Burgundy from Domaine Delarche stands as an example of what great wine can and should be: both memorable and affordable. We first came across the family’s tiny cellars in Pernand-Vergelesses in the early 1990s, and honestly couldn’t believe what we tasted. Hidden away in this peaceful valley in the shadow of the noble hill of Corton was certainly the Côte de Beaune’s best-kept secret—gorgeous wines made by an honest family for prices that reminded of decades past.

Delarche Burgundy offers a clarity and purity of flavor that is endlessly captivating. Whites are creamy and concentrated, taking a cue from grand cru Corton-Charlemagne; reds are spicy and refined, delicious from the moment they’re bottled to years later, when you pop the cork on a perfectly cellared grand cru born, from vines planted by family hands.

Winemaker Etienne Delarche learned well from his winemaking father, Philippe, who sadly passed away early in 2007. Having completed his studies in Beaune as well as traveled the world to explore winemaking in other climates and cultures, Etienne in a few short years has transformed this modest family domaine into one of the Côte de Beaune’s top names."