Domaine Michel Voarick: Corton-Charlemagne Out in the Open

It’s rare to discover relatively unknown estates with large holdings of grand cru vines and, especially, white grand cru on the mighty Corton hill.

My most recent find is Domaine Michel Voarick in Aloxe-Corton, an old estate, and somewhat atypical, as it has an interesting history in the village of Aloxe-Corton.

The main interest here is the domaine’s Corton-Charlemagne, made from a 1.39 -hectare plot in the top/middle of the Corton hill. Yes this is correct: 1.39 ha of white Corton!

Please note that some of Voarick’s other wines also deserve attention, and especially the whites command respect in a vintage like 2021.

So far unknown to many collectors, I would bet that this will change, because this estate deserves your full attention. A rising star? Not yet, perhaps. But a promising prospect with the young Victor Voarick in the cellar? Definitely.

Domaine Michel Voarick

Domaine Michel Voarick is almost 100 years old, founded as it was in 1924 by Pierre Voarick. It’s a classical Aloxe domaine (not that there are very many of these), and the Voarick family has an interesting portfolio of vineyards that made me take another look. The main wine is Corton-Charlemagne, which comes from a section in Les Languettes at the very top of the Corton hill.

The Voarick estate is a good size: 9 ha, with 1.75 ha of grands crus Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, according to maps made by Laurent Gotti. I will study the Voarick estate more closely when I have time; areas in Corton can be difficult matters.

Corton-Charlemagne Les Languettes: a unique plot

The main part of the domaine’s Corton-Charlemagne is in the lieu-dit Les Languettes, located between Le Corton and Les Pougets. It’s right at the top of the hill, and more or less exposed straight south.

The Voarick plot in Les Languettes is now fully planted with white grapes, a part having previously been planted with pinot noir. Languettes is part of the Corton-Charlemagne appellation; i.e., if planted with white grapes the wine can be sold under the Corton-Charlemagne label.

Domaine Michel Voarick has three plots in total: cadastre nos. 46, 59, and 60, in total covering 1.24 ha of Les Languettes, and all now planted with chardonnay. Additionally Voarick has a Corton-Charlemagne plot (no 57) in Les Renardes covering 15 a – this brings the holdings of Corton–Charlemagne up to around 1.39 ha

Corton production from Voarick

Domaine Voarick produces three different wines from the Corton hill, and on occasion even negociant versions. It produces between 20 and 30 barrels (normally) of Corton-Charlemagne, along with two or three casks of Corton Bressandes and five to six of Corton Renardes.

The Corton-Charlemagne is usually a very large cuvee, and the estate’s main product. Yet despite such large production, it’s still relatively unknown.

This is a new name to follow in Corton-Charlemagne, as the style is quite cool and lively, even in a year with low yields and frost like 2021.

Aside from the Cortons, Domaine Michel Voarick also produces village and 1er cru wines from Aloxe and Pernand-Vergelesses, including some whites.

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Domaine Michel Voarick Corton-Charlemagne 2021

The 2021 Corton-Charlemagne is vivid and expressive, with some exotic fruit notes, hints of acacia, and a clear mineral backbone. It was matured in 40% new oak, and has medium weight and intensity. Only four barrels were produced in 2021 – compared with more than 20 normally. I was impressed that Voarick captured such freshness and liveliness from a yield of only 5hl/ha. Personally, I love this as a wine for fish and seafood: medium to generously rich dishes. The acidity from the vintage would be a delightful contrast to even richer food. It is not a dense Corton-Charlemagne, but rather a balanced wine with a delightful hedonistic touch. Well done in a difficult year like 2021.

(Drink from 2033) – Very Fine – (92-94p) – Tasted 16/03/2023 and –

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The Michel Voarick shop

The Domaine Michel Voarick shop is found in the center of Aloxe-Corton. It offers estate wines to tourists and other lovers of Burgundy.

1 Place du Chapitre, 21420 Aloxe-Corton

Domaine Michel Voarick website