Corton-Renardes V.V. Grand Cru, Michel Gay - 2020

Viticulture

The estate is situated in Chorey-lès-Beaune, at the foot of the vineyards. It is managed ‘using organic principles’, though without certification; the vines (around a dozen hectares) are tended according to the nature of the soil (mounding, simple scarification or a combination of both), without the use of any weedkillers. A small plot of 0.21 ha from a highly renowned terroir, facing due south, ideally situated halfway up the slope and overlooking the village of Ladoix-Serrigny.

Oenology

The grapes are harvested by hand into small crates. An initial sorting takes place on the vine, followed by a vibrating table before and after destemming. Vinification lasts around 15–20 days, including cold pre-fermentation maceration. The red wines are racked and then transferred to barrels, with 30 per cent new oak for village wines, 50 per cent for 1er cru and 70 per cent for grand cru. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the spring, after which the wines are racked and bottled after 15 months, without filtration.