Aloxe-­Corton & Beyond... Have You Discovered the Emperor’s Wines Yet?

 

Discover the Wines of Aloxe-­Corton, Ladoix­-Serrigny, Pernand­-Vergelesses and Savigny-­Les Beaune

Burgundy, a land steeped in centuries of viticulture, is home to some of the most revered wine appellations in the world. Many of them you may already know, but some you might not. Among these, Aloxe­-Corton, Ladoix­-Serrigny, Pernand-­Vergelesses and Savigny-­Les Beaune stand out not only for their high quality wines but also for the distinctiveness of their terroir – the ground they are grown in. The exceptional characteristics of these regions, combined with a legacy of winemaking prowess, make their wines highly sought after by our customers – which is why BurgundyWine.com by Elden Selections exists – to find these hidden gems and bring them to a wider audience. Let us introduce you to these wines, some of which were favoured by the emperor Charlemagne!

 

Corton Terroir: A Unique Blend of Factors

At the heart of what makes Burgundy wines incredibly special is the concept of terroir—a French term that embodies the unique combination of climate, soil and rock, and topography that gives distinct characteristics to the wine. In the case of Aloxe-­Corton, Ladoix-­Serrigny, and Pernand-­Vergelesses, the terroir is a harmonious interplay between limestone and clay soils, favorable microclimates, and carefully managed vineyard practices. All three appellations share one incredible hill – the Hill of Corton.

 

Aloxe-­Corton

Corton red wine and Corton Charlemagne white wine are named after the emperors Curtis d’Othon and the more renowned Charlemagne. In the year 775, Charlemagne bestowed the vineyards to the religious community at Saulieu. (According to legend, the white Chardonnay grape was selected to prevent any unfortunate staining of his beard!)

Aloxe-­Corton was first mentioned back in the year 696, so it’s fair to say it’s no new kid on the block. It is renowned for its position on the Hill of Corton, which is bathed in sunlight and offers excellent drainage. The vineyards here are primarily dedicated to red wines made from Pinot Noir, often producing powerful and complex expressions. The combination of the iron ­rich clay and limestone subsoil contributes to structured wines that can age gracefully for decades.

Here, many producers still rely on traditional vinification methods, such as hand harvesting and using whole clusters during fermentation. The focus is on allowing the terroir to shine through, with minimal intervention in the winery. This approach helps preserve the essence of the grapes, resulting in wines that are true representations of their origin.

Ladoix­-Serrigny

Ladoix­-Serrigny, located just south of Aloxe­-Corton, is less well ­known but is gaining recognition for its high­quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The thirsty traveler, having lunched in Dijon and heading south through the Côte de Nuits in search of further refreshment, will eventually arrive at Ladoix­-Serrigny. This location marks the beginning of the Côte de Beaune. And it’s especially fitting that it is associated with "beginnings," as the name Ladoix translates to "water spring" in Old French. To be precise, Ladoix is actually composed of the village of Serrigny and two hamlets—Ladoix and Buisson. The vineyards are planted on slopes composed of marly limestone and clay, which support a diverse ecosystem. The wines are characterized by their finesse, with a minerality that reflects the unique soil composition, while also displaying ripe fruit flavors indicative of the warm climate.

Ladoix-­Serrigny wineries, while embracing tradition, are also open to innovations that improve quality. Some winemakers are experimenting with organic and biodynamic practices, with the aim of enhancing the health of their vineyards. These initiatives help to enrich the soil and promote biodiversity, ultimately leading to grapes that capture the authentic expression of the terroir.

Wines of this appellation offer a delightful bridge between the robust style of Aloxe-­Corton and the more delicate expressions found in Pernand-­Vergelesses. The Pinot Noir from Ladoix tends to be more approachable in its youth, showcasing vibrant fruit coupled with floral notes and a refreshing acidity, making it extremely versatile for drinking with a wide range of dishes.

Pernand-­Vergelesses

Pernand­-Vergelesses not only boasts an impressive array of Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, but also enjoys a slightly cooler microclimate. This cooler environment allows grapes to develop optimal acidity while maintaining freshness, leading to vibrant, elegant wines. Chardonnay from this region often has a crisp minerality, and as such is the first choice for sushi dishes, and gruyere cheese. Pinot Noirs from here are intensely ruby colored, almost crimson – on the nose they give red fruits and sometimes underbrush and spice. These are muscular wines with well­ melted tannins – amongst the perkiest reds of the Cote de Beaune. For cheese pairings, choose a Tomme de Savoie, or Reblochon.

Similar to Ladoix, producers in Pernand­-Vergelesses are adopting sustainable practices while honoring the techniques of the past. This blending of tradition and modernity not only preserves the rich heritage of Burgundy winemaking but also ensures that the wines produced here remain relevant in today’s market.

Savigny-­Les-­Beaune

Most of the wines produced here are red, predominantly Pinot Noir, with around 10% being white, made from Chardonnay grapes. The valley where the village is located has made Savigny-­les­-Beaune one of the most fruitful regions in Burgundy, thanks to the abundance of south ­facing slopes and fertile silt from the Rhoin River found in the lower areas. Further up the valley, you can find the Corton mountain, known for some of the most valuable and esteemed white Burgundy wines, which highlights the area’s quality and geological richness. While there are no Grand Cru plots, the 22 Premier Cru 'climats' of Savigny-­les-­Beaune are waiting to be explored.

However, don’t limit your experience to just the local wines—take the time to appreciate the charming village itself. Its chateau features a collection of racing cars and fighter planes (what chateau worth its salt wouldn’t?), and there’s also a church with a stunning Romanesque bell tower to admire. With excellent campsites and wine festivals, Savigny­-les-­Beaune remains one of Burgundy's best­kept secrets.

A stonework engraving on some of the houses in the village elegantly sums up compelling reasons to enjoy wine, stating: “the arrival of a guest, current thirst, future thirst, plus the quality of the wine, and all those you might imagine.”

 

BurgundyWine.com Specialises in These Hidden Gems

For those who want to indulge in these exceptional wines, BurgundyWine.com is your one­stop­shop for acquiring the finest wine selections from these four appellations. We offer an extensive range of wines sourced directly from reputable producers we’ve worked with for decades, who are as committed to quality and value as we are. We aim to give you an unparalleled shopping experience, complete with detailed information about each wine’s origin, tasting notes, and ideal food pairings. Here are some of our top choices:

 

The Best Aloxe-­Corton Wines You Should Try

Click here to visit our wine shop, and filter by appellation in the left­hand menu, and you’ll find these gems:

• Jean­ Jacques Girard Aloxe-­Corton – think animal power for this one – but also elegance on the mid­palate, and a superb finish.

• Capitain-­Gagnerot Aloxe-­Corton 1er Cru 'Les Moutottes' – this producer makes what we call our ‘benchmark reds’ – you just know when you’re drinking a Capitain red, especially if its from this appellation. It’s muscular dense and charming, of course, but there’s something more here – a finesse all of its own, a hallmark for this producer. And only 10% new oak, so the fruit is clearly showcased, along with the diverse terroir.

Our Top Picks of Ladoix­-Serrigny Wines

• Capitain-­Gagnerot Ladoix 1er Cru 'Les Grechons et Foutrieres' – this producer appears again in our top list of white wines from this appellation – and this is what we’re all about, as it’s a real ‘insider’s wine’. Why? Because we often mistake it for a Corton Charlemagne, and it’s not just chance! They share the same minerality, plus the fabulous limestone smokiness garlanded with white flowers and honey.

• Capitain­-Gagnerot Ladoix 1er Cru 'La Micaude' – another masterclass from Capitain Gagnerot in how to combine power and delicacy at the same time… and it has unbelievable aging potential – every year you’ll discover new elegance and nuance.

The Pernand-­Vergelesses Wines You Need to Try

• Jean Jacques Girard Pernand­-Vergelesses 1er Cru 'Sous Fretilles': although it’s a separate appellation, this one gives you strong hints of the nearby Corton mountain – so floral on the nose, such minerality, and a great balance between fruit and acidity with a very long finish.

• Domaine Jean Fery Pernand­-Vergelesses 1er Cru 'Les Vergelesses' – a little wine brainteaser here… this is a red P.V. Les Vergelesses – but they also produce a red and a white Savigny-­les Beaune 1er Cru, both of which are also called 'Les Vergelesses' ! (And that’s without mentioning a third 1er cru called 'Ile des Vergelesses'! That’s Burgundy wine for you. But all you really need to know is that this one is charming, and full of fresh black fruit aromas. Great to drink young, but even better from about 3 years old onwards.

Savigny-­Les-­Beaune Wines to Try in 2025

• Marchand­Tawse Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Lavieres' – delicate but with a fine structure and wonderful balance. To the eye it is ruby red, and on the palate it is ample and suave. In the cellar it promises years of aging potential.

•  Jean Fery Savigny les Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Vergelesses' – this is WHITE but the domaine also makes red, with others nearby, so take care… this is an eye­catching wine though, fresh and elegant, with spicy tones and hint of honey.

 

If you enjoyed this article, read more on our blog, everything from vintage and harvest reports, to more appellation guides, producer profiles, seasonal offers, upcoming events and much more! We also have a blog dedicated to our baronial manor house – Domaine de Cromey – which is open to you for holiday bookings. Click here to read the blog, and click here to book your holiday of a lifetime!