Wines Unspecified Domaine Faiveley - Clos des Cortons Faiveley - 1998

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Faiveley's Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru 1998 is an exceptional Burgundy wine, crafted from Pinot Noir grapes sourced exclusively from the renowned Clos des Cortons vineyard. The 1998 vintage presented both challenges and rewards for vignerons in Burgundy, resulting in wines of firm structure, precise fruit, and notable aging potential. Vinification at Domaine Faiveley is marked by meticulous selection, traditional fermentation in open vats, and a patient maturation in fine French oak barrels, a process that allows the nuanced terroir of the Corton hill to express itself fully.

The Corton Grand Cru vineyards are perched on the famous hill north of Beaune, in the northern part of the Côte de Beaune. This region benefits from a semi-continental climate, with cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal temperature shifts that favour slow, elegant ripening of the Pinot Noir. The soils here are a harmonious mix of marl and limestone, with a particularly high clay content in Clos des Cortons, lending the resulting wines both power and finesse. With a storied history dating back to Charlemagne, Corton remains a reference point for age-worthy, structured red Burgundy.

Such an expressive and mature Grand Cru Pinot Noir matches perfectly with classic French cuisine. Roasted duck breast with a honey and spice glaze, herb-crusted lamb, or a simple but flavourful coq au vin would complement the wine’s savoury complexity and subtle earthy notes. For a regional pairing, opt for boeuf bourguignon or a creamy poularde aux morilles, dishes that echo both the richness and elegance of the wine. Mature cheeses such as Epoisses or a well-aged Comté are also delightful accompaniments.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-17°C, ideally after decanting for an hour to awaken its bouquet and soften any remaining tannins. The 1998 Clos des Cortons Faiveley is now at a graceful maturity, marrying tertiary aromas of forest floor and sous-bois with lingering red fruit, making each glass a true expression of Burgundian artistry.