Burgundy domaine devoted exclusively to Grand Cru vineyards, with Corton Charlemagne whites and Corton Grand Cru red and white wines.
The producer
Domaine Bonneau du Martray is the only domaine in Burgundy producing exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. Its largest single ownership lies within Corton Charlemagne, where the domaine farms one contiguous holding. The white undergoes indigenous yeast fermentation, lees stirring as needed and initial barrel ageing with 30% new oak before moving to tank with fine lees over winter. The range includes Corton Charlemagne, Charlemagne Grand Cru and Corton Grand Cru in both red and white forms.
Known for
Grand Cru Corton Charlemagne
Notable facts
Bonneau du Martray is the only domaine in Burgundy producing exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards.
In 775, Emperor Charlemagne granted vineyard land on the Corton hill to the Abbey of St. Andoche in Saulieu.
Corton Charlemagne uses indigenous yeast fermentation, lees stirring as needed and initial ageing in oak barrels with 30% new oak.
In 2018, Domaine de la Romanée Conti leased part of Bonneau du Martray's vineyard holdings.
The story
Kroenke And DRC
In 2017, Stan Kroenke acquired a majority stake in Domaine Bonneau du Martray. One year later, Domaine de la Romanée Conti leased 2.89 hectares of the domaine's holdings, while 8.15 hectares remained with the Pernand based estate. The le Bault de la Morinière family continued as partner after the ownership change.
From the atlas
Domaine Bonneau du Martray
At A Glance
Field
Detail
Region
Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Grand Cru wines
Corton Charlemagne and Corton
White wines
Charlemagne Grand Cru and Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
Red wine
Corton Grand Cru
The Producer
Bonneau du Martray makes wine only from Grand Cru vineyards, the highest vineyard category in Burgundy. It is the only domaine in Burgundy with an exclusively Grand Cru range. A Grand Cru label names a classified vineyard, so the category appears across every bottle in the domaine's range.
Bonneau du Martray is the largest single owner within Corton Charlemagne, with 9.5 hectares in one contiguous holding. Stan Kroenke acquired a majority stake in 2017, while the le Bault de la Morinière family continues as partner.
Place
Corton Charlemagne lies on Corton hill, where the vineyard changes from the forest top down through the middle and lower slopes. The upper parcels are crystalline and bring floral and citrus fruit. Mid slope parcels add grain and shape. Lower parcels, richer in minerals, bring the power associated with Charlemagne.
The vineyard's vertical movement gives Corton Charlemagne several distinct raw materials within one Grand Cru. Floral and citrus fruit come from the higher ground, while the middle and lower parcels add substance and mineral depth.
Wines
The range includes Corton Grand Cru Domaine Bonneau du Martray as a 2020 red and a 2022 white. Domaine Bonneau du Martray Charlemagne Grand Cru is a 2022 white, while Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Domaine Bonneau du Martray is a 2020 white.
The white Corton Charlemagne profile combines citrus and green apple with high acidity and a mineral tone marked by steel like character. The red Corton Grand Cru shows delicacy, freshness, round and silky texture, supportive tannins, fresh red fruit and a roseate note.
Final Word
In 2018, Domaine de la Romanée Conti leased 2.89 hectares of Bonneau du Martray's vineyard holdings, while the Pernand based estate retained 8.15 hectares. Bonneau du Martray remains a Grand Cru only domaine whose range spans Corton Charlemagne and Corton.