In the southern part of the Côte de Beaune Chassagne-Montrachet shares with Puligny the incontested title of the prince of the world’s dry white wines – the divine Montrachet (pronounced « Monrachay »). This fine, broad hillside brings out the very highest expression of the two Burgundian grapes - the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay, which grow here side-by side - such is the complexity of the district's « terroirs »!
Produced on the villages of Chassagne-Montrachet and Remigny, this appellation includes 19 Premiers Crus « climats ». The commune of Chassagne-Montrachet also produces 3 Grands Crus : MONTRACHET, BÂTARD-MONTRACHET, and CRIOTS-BÂTARD MONTRACHET.
100% Pinot Noir.
At altitudes between 220 and 325 metres, the succession of rocks from the top down is first rauracien then callovien and finally argovien. The soil of the various « climats » (named plots with distinctive qualities) ranges from pebbly limestones, through marls, to sandy soils with a Jurassic basis.
The grapes were hand-picked and sorted manually as soon as they arrived at the winery.
They were then pressed in a pneumatic press which allows for perfect extraction of the juices without over pressing the grapes.
Vinification and ageing took place in wooden barrels with a proportion of 20% new oak (French oak with long toast at low temperature for a more delicate woodiness).
The wine was aged on the lees for 11 months with occasional stirring.
Colour: brilliant red with garnet highlights.
Nose: dominant black fruits aromas with a spicy touch.
Palate: well-structured wine with fine, delicate yet present tannins.
Powerful and tannic, this great red Burgundy flatters good quality meats such as grilled or roast lamb, coating their fibres in the mouth. Its aromatic power balances that of grilled pork and of curried or tandoori-style poultry. The Premiers Crus demand, at the very least, feathered game.
You can keep this wine between 7 and 10 years.
Serve ideally at 15-16°C. (59-61°F.).