Wines Corton-Renardes Lucien Le Moine - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Lucien Le Moine’s Corton-Renardes Grand Cru 2017 is a striking illustration of Burgundian finesse and terroir-driven complexity. Crafted from pure Pinot Noir, this Grand Cru red is sourced from the esteemed Corton-Renardes climat, situated at the northern tip of the Côte de Beaune. The 2017 vintage delivered wines marked by both freshness and aromatic precision, thanks to a moderate growing season that allowed for balanced ripeness and lively acidity. Lucien Le Moine is renowned for minimal intervention: whole bunch fermentation is often favoured, followed by élevage in high-quality French oak barriques—all executed with gentle care to let the vineyard speak first. The result is a wine marked by lifted red and black fruit—think cherry, mûre, and wild strawberry—interwoven with earthy undertones, violet, a wisp of spice, and a subtle mineral backbone signalling its origin on the slopes of Corton.

The Côte de Beaune is defined by its patchwork of world-famous climats, and Corton-Renardes sits on the northern side of the illustrious Corton hill. The soils here are notably composed of limestone mixed with marl and iron-rich clay, lending both structure and a signature earthiness to the wines. The region benefits from a temperate continental climate, with cool, breezy nights that help preserve Pinot Noir’s natural acidity while ensuring full phenolic ripeness. This unique confluence of soil, exposure, and microclimate has afforded Corton an enduring reputation since at least the Middle Ages and continues to make it one of Burgundy’s most sought-after Grand Cru terroirs.

This wine’s structure, aromatic depth, and fine tannins make it a versatile partner at the table. It will shine beside classic regional pairings such as duck breast with cassis sauce or a traditional beef bourguignon. For something slightly more adventurous, try it with roast pigeon, wild mushroom risotto, or even a simple veal blanquette—which will allow the purity of fruit and savoury, earthy notes to emerge gracefully.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Corton-Renardes Grand Cru at around 16-17°C. Decanting for 1-2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and reveal its full aromatic spectrum. This wine promises an elegant evolution over the next decade, so cellaring is equally worthwhile for patient enthusiasts.