Wines Corton-Charlemagne Jean-Claude Ramonet - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Jean-Claude Ramonet’s Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 is an exemplary white Burgundy crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, the region’s signature white grape. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a cool and challenging growing season, has produced wines of notable tension, purity, and vibrant acidity, qualities highly prized in Corton-Charlemagne. This Grand Cru parcel occupies prime slopes on the renowned Corton hill, where some of Burgundy’s most celebrated whites originate. Soils here are a mix of limestone and marl, providing excellent drainage and imparting a mineral backbone recognisable in the finished wine. Ramonet, a name synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship, ferments and ages this wine in French oak barrels, imparting subtle layers of toast and complexity without overwhelming the natural elegance of the fruit. Expect aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, green apple, and hazelnut alongside the hallmark mineral freshness and a hint of smoky reduction typical of great Corton-Charlemagne.

Burgundy—and particularly the Côte de Beaune—boasts centuries of winemaking heritage, shaped by its patchwork of meticulously mapped climats. The climate is continental, with relatively cold winters and warm summers, though the 2021 season saw spring frosts impacting yields and raising the intensity of remaining grapes. In Corton-Charlemagne, the higher vineyard elevations and east-south-east exposures encourage slow, even ripening, allowing the Chardonnay to develop finesse, structure, and remarkable ageing potential. The composition of the soils, rich in limestone, amplifies the region’s signature minerality, distinguishing these Grand Crus from their peers.

For pairings, this wine thrives alongside refined fare that highlights its depth and tension. Consider delicate shellfish such as lobster or scallops in a light beurre blanc, roast chicken with morel mushrooms, or a classic regional dish like quenelles de brochet. Mature cheeses such as Comté or aged goat’s cheese also provide an elegant counterpoint to its texture.

Serve lightly chilled, ideally between 12-14°C, to best reveal the wine’s layered aromatics and nuanced palate. Decanting for half an hour can help open up its youthful complexity. While already promising, patience will reward those who cellar this Grand Cru for a few more years, allowing its character to reach full expression.