The legend of the hill of Corton's dual personality is one of the most famous in all Burgundy. As the story goes, the Emperor Charlemagne had a penchant for the silky, spicy reds from Corton, but unfortunately could not keep his beard from dipping into the glass. His wife became so disgusted with his wine-stained beard that she ordered that white grapes be planted on part of the hill.

The vineyard planted to chardonnay soon garnered a world-wide reputation as well. The wine is Corton-Charlemagne. The hill climbs to a peak of 388 meters. It is capped by trees and the limit of vines is around 360 meters. From this height downhill to about 250 meters is where the Grand Crus are located: named Corton if red wine and Corton-Charlemagne if white.

This strip of land begins in Pernand-Vergelesses where it faces east. Continuing clockwise around the hill, the land is within the commune of Aloxe-Corton and faces southeast and then south. Further around the horn we arrive in the village of Ladoix-Serrigny: for these vineyards, the exposure is now southwest and then west. In general, the white wine is planted on higher ground, with cooler exposures (west or southwest) and more clay-rich soil.

These lands form the basis of Corton-Charlemagne. In a few exceptions, white wine is planted in other vineyards further down slope or with different soil. The wines are labelled Corton like their red counterparts. The wine, a type more viscous, full and ripe, is referred to as Corton Blanc. As we descend, the hill becomes less steep, so the land is less favoured. Between 240 and 260 meters we leave the grand cru strip and arrive at the premier crus. Further down slope, there are Villages-classified vineyards.