Wines Corton-Charlemagne Domaine Henri Boillot - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The 2016 Domaine Henri Boillot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is a stellar expression of Burgundian Chardonnay, representing one of the region’s most revered terroirs. This white wine hails from the illustrious slopes of Corton-Charlemagne, where old Chardonnay vines cultivate grapes of exceptional power and finesse. The 2016 vintage is notable for its balance, born from a growing season that combined a cool spring with a sunny, dry summer, resulting in wines with vibrant freshness and impressive concentration. The winemaking at Domaine Henri Boillot focuses on meticulous manual harvesting, gentle pressing, and fermentation in French oak barrels, about a third of which are new. This approach preserves the wine’s inherent mineral tension while imparting delicate notes of toasted hazelnut and a subtle creaminess.

The Côte de Beaune, and specifically the Grand Cru vineyards of Corton-Charlemagne, is renowned for producing some of the world’s greatest white wines. The unique terroir—a mix of limestone and marl soils at the commune’s highest elevations—offers perfect drainage and imparts a singular mineral elegance to the wines. The region is steeped in viticultural history, with winemaking dating back to Charlemagne himself, and benefits from a continental climate. This combination of cool nights and warm days in the growing season results in grapes with remarkable aromatic complexity and acidity, which ensure both freshness and ageing potential.

Given its structure and elegance, this Grand Cru Chardonnay pairs beautifully with refined dishes. Classic matches include poached lobster, turbot with a beurre blanc, or a creamy poultry dish such as a traditional Bresse chicken with morels. For a more regional touch, try it with escargots de Bourgogne or gently seared scallops. The wine’s depth and mineral backbone also complement aged Comté or delicate triple-cream cheeses.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Corton-Charlemagne at 12-14°C. Decanting for up to an hour is recommended to allow its complex bouquet to blossom, revealing layers of citrus, white flowers, toasted almond, and a persistent mineral finish. This is a wine worthy of contemplation, with potential to evolve gracefully over the next decade.