2020 Bernard Moreau Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

the Domaine Bernard Moreau & Fils winery

Domaine Bernard Moreau & Fils is located in the heart of Chassagne-Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune. The estate's history dates back to the early 19th century. Alex Moreau, the fourth generation, is now at the helm. He is known for his precise harvest planning, traditional vinification, and an impeccable sense of balance between terroir and finesse. His wines are internationally acclaimed for their purity, tension, and length.

The estate owns approximately 14 hectares of vineyards spread across various appellations, including some of the most prestigious parcels of the Côte de Beaune. While the focus is on white wines, they also produce refined reds. Bernard Moreau is known for a style that combines richness with refinement, always keeping the terroir at the forefront.

the region and character of Corton-Charlemagne

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is located on the famous Montagne de Corton, between Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Vergelesses. The soil consists of limestone and marl, rich in minerals, resulting in wines with power, tension, and remarkable freshness. The microclimate on the higher slopes allows for slow ripening, allowing the wines to retain their fresh acidity and develop exceptional aromatic depth.

the 2020 harvest and vinification

The 2020 harvest began early, on August 20th, to preserve optimal freshness. The grapes were carefully harvested by hand and then pressed for three to three and a half hours. Alex Moreau deliberately opted for a gentle pressing and prolonged fermentation to enhance complexity and texture. Fermentation took place in François Frères oak barrels, a traditional choice at the estate. The wine was then aged on the fine lees, further deepening the structure and mouthfeel.

The 2020 vintage is considered one of the best in recent years. The balance between ripe fruit, tension, and lively acidity is exceptionally good. Alcohol levels remained moderate, around 13.4%, which enhances the wine's freshness and precision.

flavor profile according to The Wine Advocate

According to William Kelley of The Wine Advocate (93-95 points), the 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru delivers aromas of pear, hazelnut, warm biscuit, and honeycomb. On the palate, it is full, rich, and layered with a core of ripe fruit, lively acidity, and a chalky finish. Kelley praises the wine for its generous structure and texture, the result of a careful winemaking process. He believes the wine demonstrates why Domaine Bernard Moreau ranks among the top wines in the Côte de Beaune and considers this vintage one of the most impressive in years.

color, smell and taste

The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a light gold color with greenish reflections. The aroma opens with ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, and subtle notes of honey and brioche. As the wine opens, mineral notes and a hint of citrus emerge. The palate is full-bodied, layered, and rich without being heavy. The refined acidity and chalky character provide tension and length, while the finish is silky and lingering. This is a wine that already impresses, but one that will develop beautifully in the years to come.

storage potential

The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru can be enjoyed young for its energy and purity, but will deepen with a few years of bottle aging. The balance between concentration and freshness suggests it can age for at least fifteen to twenty years. Over time, the wine will develop more honeyed notes and rounded textures, while retaining its mineral core.

Would you like to order wines from Domaine Bernard Moreau & Fils online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons . You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Grilled turbot with beurre blanc and caviar. The richness of the sauce and the saltiness of the fish complement the structure and freshness of the wine beautifully.
• Veal sweetbreads with creamy morel sauce. The wine's round, nutty notes enhance the dish's earthy depth.
• Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan cheese. The creaminess of the risotto is balanced by the vibrant acidity of the wine.
• Roast chicken with truffle jus and celeriac puree. The wine's minerality contrasts beautifully with the earthy notes of truffle and celery.
• Langoustines with beurre noisette and lemon butter. The delicate sweetness of the crustaceans harmonizes with the fruity and mineral character of the wine.