Domaine Etienne Delarche - Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2022

Burgundy from Domaine Delarche stands as an example of what great wine can and should be: both memorable and affordable. North Berkley Imports first came across the family’s tiny cellars in Pernand-Vergelesses in the early 1990s, and honestly couldn’t believe what they tasted. Hidden away in this peaceful valley in the shadow of the noble hill of Corton was certainly the Côte de Beaune’s best-kept secret—gorgeous wines made by an honest family for prices that reminded of decades past.

Delarche Burgundy offers a clarity and purity of flavor that is endlessly captivating. Whites are creamy and concentrated, taking a cue from grand cru Corton-Charlemagne; reds are spicy and refined, delicious from the moment they’re bottled to years later, when you pop the cork on a perfectly cellared grand cru born, from vines planted by family hands. 

Winemaker Etienne Delarche learned well from his winemaking father, Philippe, who sadly passed away early in 2007. Having completed his studies in Beaune as well as traveled the world to explore winemaking in other climates and cultures, Etienne in a few short years has transformed this modest family domaine into one of the Côte de Beaune’s top names. 

Chardonnay grapes are destemmed and pressed delicately in a horizontal, pneumatic press. Juice is fermented on indigenous yeasts in older French oak barrels; the estate’s Corton-Charlemagne is fermented and aged in new oak. All wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Producer: Domaine Etienne Delarche 

Country: France 

Region: Burgundy 

Varietal: Chardonnay 

Appellation: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml