Domaine Edmond Cornu et Fils
These wines are from the village of Ladoix, at the base of the Hill of Corton, at the very northern end of the Côte de Beaune where it abuts with the Côte de Nuits. These are the type of wines often seen in restaurants in and around Burgundy as their value for money is outstanding.
The Cornu family settled in the town of Ladoix in 1870 and established the domaine in 1875. Edmond Cornu assumed command of the estate in 1956 and in 1959 began to bottle the fruits of his labour. Up until that time all wines made at the estate had been sold to negociants. As the private clientele increased, Cornu also expanded the domaine and with the ascension of his son Pierre to full participation in the domaine, the family has aggressively pursued additional opportunities to acquire prime vineyard sites. Having expanded the domaine, Pierre is now joined by his daughter Lucie, and his cousin, Emmanuel Boireau, in supervising the vineyard and cellar work.
Currently, the estate comprises 16 hectares, 14 of which are planted to Pinot Noir and the rest to the classic white grapes of Burgundy (1.5 hectares to Chardonnay plus 0.5 hectares of Aligoté). We had a wonderful tasting in March, split over two days, with Pierre’s daughter Lucie. Their wines shone through amongst a room full of high class wines, with beautiful balance and structure. ‘Delicacy, finesse and elegance’ are how Pierre, Emmanuel and Lucie like to describe their wines. ‘Our vinifications preserve the character of the appellations. We strive to respect the terroirs and the grape varieties.’
Wines Imported
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Some grapes from Chorey-les-Beaune, Grandes Terres, grown on the gravel, early ripening, along with a late plot below Ladoix. An attractive pretty pink purple, this is solid with good length, a few tannins which will be subsumed into the fruit in due course and good length. 5% new wood. Jasper Morris MW
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A fine fresh purple colour. The bouquet has an elegant style of raspberry fruit, a tiny fraction of reduction, that one cannot see on the palate, which is full, satisfying and not too rich. Refined tannins, adequate acidity and agreeable persistence. Very nicely done. Jasper Morris MW
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Red soil in what they feel could be considered an extension of Corton. A glowing mid ruby purple. The fruit on the nose comes across as fresh. Good acidity, picked at the right time. Savoury side of raspberry with good persistence. Juicy and elegant together. Jasper Morris MW
