Corton Les Grèves Grand Cru 2024 Domaine des Croix

The Corton Grand Cru Les Grèves 2024 from Domaine des Croix is David Croix's most precious offering, from an emerging talent in Beaune known for transforming this sometimes imposing Grand Cru into a genuinely hedonistic wine of pleasure. Scoring 17.5/20 from Revue du Vin de France, Croix is considered by many a master of Corton, delivering finesse and silkiness where the terroir might otherwise dominate. A wine of impressive density and power, yet distinctive in its sensuality, shaped for decades of ageing.

Terroir and vineyard

Corton Les Grèves is among the smallest and most discreet Grand Crus of the Corton hillside, with just 2.32 hectares total. Domaine des Croix holds 55 ares nestled between Les Bressandes to the south and Les Perrières below, at roughly 260 metres altitude. (Not to be confused with the Premier Cru of the same name in nearby Beaune.) This is one of the most demanding and precious sectors of the hill. The brown, stony soil of iron oxide and limestone fragments resting on Corton's famous Jurassic limestone creates the profound mineral character these wines are known for. The 60-year-old vines are farmed organically, hand-harvested in small crates with two passes of selection. Winemaking includes 25% whole clusters and wild yeast fermentation in wooden vats. The wine ages 16 months in barrels, up to 33% new oak, then racked and aged a few months more in vat. Unfiltered and unfined.

Tasting profile

Deep ruby red with luminous purple reflections. The nose shows striking elegance and complexity for this terroir: morello cherry, raspberry, wild berry and soft spice unfold with refinement, accompanied by delicate floral notes, a hint of menthol, and barely perceptible toast. The attack is generous and supple in the mouth, with considerable depth and structure. Tannins are fine and well-wrapped; acidity brings tension and length to the finish. Exceptional cellaring potential: drink from 2028 through 2041.

The domaine

David Croix is from Montlouis-sur-Loire and knew by 16 that he wanted to make wine. He studied viticulture and oenology at Tours, then completed his Master's degree in oenology at Dijon in 2001. Based in Beaune, he founded Domaine des Croix with a clear vision: to express the pure essence of terroir and vintage. Fruit is destemmed but never crushed; regular punch-downs give beneficial structure to the Pinot Noir. The domaine has become unanimously respected in Beaune, now representing the appellation's rising star.

Food pairing

This Corton Grand Cru pairs beautifully with roasted pork loin with sautéed mushrooms and black garlic, jugged hare, roasted woodcock, herb-crusted lamb, or aged cheeses such as Époisses or Soumaintrain. Decant for two hours in its youth. Serve at 16 to 17°C to reveal the full density, mineral depth, and distinctive sensuality of this Grand Cru from one of Beaune's most talented vignerons.