Corton Clos des Vergennes Grand Cru

About this wine

Corton Clos des Vergennes Grand Cru is one of Burgundy's most treasured rarities — a 1.42-hectare monopole owned exclusively by Domaine Cachat-Ocquidant on the storied Corton hill in Ladoix-Serrigny. Planted entirely to Pinot Noir on limestone-rich, iron-tinged soils, this singular parcel yields a wine of remarkable depth and concentration. The nose presents layers of dark cherry, wild berry, and forest floor, lifted by notes of iron minerality and gentle spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, with firm tannins and a long, saline finish that speaks directly of its grand cru terroir. Few Burgundy estates can claim sole ownership of a grand cru of this caliber, making Clos des Vergennes a benchmark for the Corton appellation.

Sommelier's Note

"This monopole is proof that Burgundy's greatest treasures are not always the most famous names — Clos des Vergennes is one of the Corton hill's best-kept secrets, and a single sip will convince you why it belongs among the finest grand crus in France."

Food Pairings

The wine's generous structure and earthy minerality call for equally rich partners. Classic pairings include roasted game birds (pheasant, partridge), rack of lamb with herb crust, and truffle-laden dishes. Aged cheeses such as Comté or Époisses are excellent. For Japanese cuisine, the wine shines alongside braised Wagyu short rib with soy-mirin reduction, grilled duck with yuzu-miso glaze, or matsutake mushroom rice (takikomi gohan), where the wine's iron minerality resonates beautifully with the earthy, umami-rich ingredients.

When to drink it

Reserve for landmark occasions: milestone anniversaries, once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, intimate fine-dining events where the wine is the centerpiece, or as the crown jewel of a serious Burgundy collector's vertical tasting.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Style

Red

Price Range

¥25,000–35,000 per bottle (varies by vintage and retailer)

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested and rigorously sorted on sorting tables. Whole-cluster inclusion varies by vintage. Fermentation takes place in open wooden vats with regular pigeage (punch-downs). The wine is aged in French oak barrels (approximately 30–40% new oak) for 15 to 18 months, with minimal fining and filtration to preserve the site's natural character. Annual production is extremely limited given the 1.42-hectare monopole size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a monopole, and why does it matter here?

A monopole is a vineyard owned exclusively by a single producer. Corton Clos des Vergennes is wholly owned by Domaine Cachat-Ocquidant, meaning only they produce wine from this 1.42-hectare plot. This exclusivity is extraordinarily rare at the grand cru level in Burgundy.

How does Corton Clos des Vergennes compare to other Corton Grand Cru wines?

While Corton is the largest grand cru in the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, Clos des Vergennes stands apart through its monopole status and the consistent, house style of Domaine Cachat-Ocquidant. It tends to be more structured and mineral-driven than some lighter Corton expressions, demanding patience but rewarding handsomely.

What is the ideal serving temperature and decanting time?

Serve at 16–18°C. Young vintages (under 10 years) benefit greatly from 1–2 hours of decanting in a wide-bottomed decanter. Older vintages should be decanted gently and served within an hour of opening.

How long can this wine be cellared?

Well-stored bottles can evolve beautifully for 20–30 years from the vintage date. The peak drinking window for most vintages is typically 12–25 years after harvest.

Where can I buy this wine in Japan?

It is occasionally available through specialist Burgundy importers and high-end wine retailers in Japan. Due to the extremely limited production, allocations are rare and sell out quickly. Checking with dedicated Burgundy négociants or auction platforms is advisable.