In the early 18th century, the vineyards of Aloxe-Corton did not rank among Burgundy’s storied producers of long-lived wines. Their output was instead known as delicate, early-drinking reds—what we might call “primeurs.” It would take visionary owners, forward-thinking négociants, and centuries of experimentation for Aloxe-Corton to earn the reputation it enjoys today. Much of that journey involved the interplay between white and red wines, the evolving tastes of connoisseurs, and a commitment to innovation that would ultimately influence the entire region’s standing in the wine world. The hill of Corton lies at a pivotal geographic and cultural crossroads: it sits where the Côte de Beaune, with its distinguished white wines, meets the Côte de Nuits, celebrated for its structured Pinot Noirs. Aloxe-Corton’s history has swayed between these two realms. As early as the Middle Ages, certain texts mention a “Vinea
Category: Insights into French Wine
In the Judeo-Christian tradition, wine has long played a symbolic and sacramental role, consistently woven through biblical texts and religious rites. The Book of Ecclesiastes, for example, encourages believers to enjoy their bread and wine, underscoring the notion that earthly pleasures can coexist with divine favor. Over the centuries, wine’s connection with faith has evolved into a highly ritualized aspect of Christian worship, most notably in the Catholic Mass, where wine is transformed into the blood of Christ. During the Catholic Eucharist, a small quantity of fermented grape juice—typically around five centiliters—is mixed with water in a chalice. Following the priest’s recitation of Christ’s words, “This is my body, this is my blood,” the wine is consecrated and no longer considered an ordinary beverage, but rather the true presence of Christ. Yet, the question remains: what makes a “Mass wine”