Wines Corton-Charlemagne Rapet Père & Fils - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2023 from Rapet Père & Fils is a remarkable expression of Burgundy’s most illustrious white wines. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, the wine reflects both the noble terroir of the eponymous Grand Cru and the deft touch of the Rapet family, who have tended these storied slopes for generations. The 2023 vintage benefitted from a relatively warm and balanced growing season, lending ripeness, tension, and clarity to the fruit. Vinification typically involves a proportion of new oak barrels, which imparts subtle toasty notes without overpowering the wine’s inherent minerality and finesse. Expect aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and ripe orchard fruit, elegantly interlaced with hints of hazelnut and delicate oak. On the palate, the wine combines depth and precision, with a signature mineral backbone and a lingering, harmonious finish.

The Corton-Charlemagne vineyard, perched atop the famed Hill of Corton in the Côte de Beaune, is celebrated for producing profound white Burgundies. The soils are predominantly limestone mixed with marls, lending a vibrant acidity and striking minerality to the wines. This unique site, with its higher, south-western exposure, benefits from optimal sunlight and cooler breezes, allowing for slow, even ripening of the Chardonnay grapes. The region as a whole boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to Charlemagne, whose imperial connection gave the vineyard its enduring prestige.

Food pairings for this Grand Cru should highlight its sophistication and complexity. Classic Burgundian dishes such as poulet de Bresse with morel mushrooms or a delicate quenelle de brochet in a cream sauce are excellent. Seafood lovers might enjoy butter-poached lobster or scallops served with a light citrus beurre blanc. Creamy cheeses like Brillat-Savarin or a young Comté will also shine alongside this wine, enhancing its texture and subtle flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Corton-Charlemagne at 12–14°C to allow its full aromatic palette and mineral structure to reveal themselves. Decanting the wine for a short period may further enhance its expressiveness if enjoyed young, though it will also reward cellaring over the coming decade.