Aloxe Corton Toppe Au Vert, Domaine Michel Mallard 2021

This ‘baby Corton’ is a perfect expression of the terroir of the hill of Corton with its deep colour, grippy tannins, and expressive blackberry fruit with savoury, almost animal notes and a hint of earthy minerality. The 0.43-hectare parcel is located down-slope from grand cru Corton Vergennes. Despite the Aloxe appellation, it is located in the finage of Ladoix. The thin, rocky soils deliver a structured, firm wine; Mallard destems partially before a gentle fermentation and ageing in cask (one-third new this year). (Drink between 2027-2050)