At a glance

Producer

Bonneau du Martray

Region

Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250-$350

Tasting profile

Notes of white flowers, citrus zest, green apple, flinty minerality, with subtle oak spice and fine lees complexity.

Evolution: Will develop honeyed, nutty, and creamy complexity over the next 5-10 years while retaining vibrant acidity.

At peak: Rich, layered palate with intense minerality, ripe orchard fruit, fine oak integration, and a long, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant acidity typical of great Corton-Charlemagne

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

Excellent, easily 20-30+ years with proper cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2045

Optimal window

2023 to 2048

Current status

Optimal drinking phase beginning

Current condition

The 2013 vintage is showing excellent balance of richness and freshness with complex mineral and citrus layers developing.

Bonneau du Martray's Corton-Charlemagne is one of the few white Grand Crus from Burgundy that combines powerful structure and bright acidity, enabling at least 20-30+ years aging. The 2013 vintage was ripe yet balanced, from a warm growing season with excellent concentration and a long growing cycle that preserved freshness. This combination contributes to a prolonged peak drinking window continuing into the late 2030s.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with lobster in butter sauce, seared scallops, roasted chicken with herbs, aged Comté cheese, and dishes featuring truffle or mushrooms.

Serving

Serving temperature

12-14°C / 54-57°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Bonneau du Martray employs low-intervention viticulture respecting soil health, cover crops to maintain biodiversity, and uses minimal chemical treatments. Focus on hand-harvesting and gentle cellar handling.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Bonneau du Martray demonstrates responsible sustainable farming practices emphasizing environmental stewardship through soil preservation and limited chemical use. Packaging is traditional Burgundy-style glass bottles, with moderate weight. Their commitment to low-intervention methods and quality vineyard management supports a fairly sustainable footprint, though international transport adds carbon emissions.