From: Burgundy, France
Blend: Chardonnay
Taste: This gorgeous wine carries the hallmarks of Puligny-Montrachet. (We often refer to it as our baby Puligny.) Ethereal notes of white flowers and a pear medley transition to notes of lemon cream and underscoring notes of stony minerality. This mineral essence translates beautifully to the palate, where notes of perfectly ripened pear, quince, and a light dusting of baking spices come alive. With its flinty, mineral, and lilting citrusy finish, this wine promises to evolve beautifully over the next few years. Regional specialists like Jasper Morris have lauded its finesse, emphasizing its superior quality over the estate's other commendable Burgundy Chardonnays.
Pairing: To experience this wine at its finest, pair it with a range of dishes from fresh seafood to white meats bathed in white sauces or even the pungency of stinky cheeses. Whether it's a creamy brie or a roasted root vegetable dish, this wine fits nicely on your table. We think the comfort of a creamy potato gratin would make this wine shine this season.
Creamy Potato Gratin
By Florence Fabricant
This wine. Referred to by Etienne De Montiille as "mon chou chou", a term of endearment meaning "my favorite", the Clos du Chateau is a nervier step up from the Bourgogne Blanc and clearly portrays the qualities of it's home of Puligny. Truly one of the great values of this prime village.
At the base of the Chateau Du Puligny-Montrachet, this vineyard is a jewel spanning roughly 5 ha and enjoys the privileged position of being entirely enclosed, thus aiding the domain's biodynamic cultivation practices. Despite being classified as AOC Burgundy, its proximity to the AOC Puligny-Montrachet vines gives it an advantage that few can claim. The rich soil, a blend of silt and clay creates impeccable grapes for this wine.
The season began with a mild winter punctuated by a frosty February. The subsequent months witnessed the world grappling with lockdowns, yet nature thrived, gracing Burgundy with brilliant weather. However, the summer’s intense heat and lesser rainfall posed challenges, inducing water stress in the vines, a clear reflection of climate change's impact on the terroirs. Thankfully, the harvest, which kicked off on August 20 in Volnay and Pommard, yielded healthy and balanced fruits. This year’s white wines are particularly striking, boasting a generous texture and a fresh mid-palate. The acidity is truly the star, with post-fermentation pH levels hovering between 3.1 and 3.2, ensuring the wines are pure, linear, and destined for aging.
About: Burgundy's heart lies a tale steeped in history and passion, with Domaine de Montille at its center. The tale goes back to the 17th century, within the village of Créancey, where the roots of this illustrious estate can be traced to the Lords of Commeau. As time unfolded, the estate transformed. By 1863, through the union of Étienne Joseph Marie Léonce Bizouard de Montille and Marie Eléonore Chauvelot de Chevannes, it was christened with its present name.
Spanning a vast twenty hectares, Domaine de Montille was home to some of the most enviable plots of Pinot Noir in both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuit. Yet, in a twist of fate, the brutal impact of phylloxera on the European viticulture landscape led to the selling of these prized parcels. By the 1950s, the grandeur of this once vast estate dwindled to a mere 3 hectares, mostly centered around the village of Volnay.
The narrative, however, took a turn when Hubert de Montille, undeterred by the challenges, began to reshape its destiny in the late 1940s. Straddling his professions of law and viticulture, Hubert embarked on an ambitious journey. Acquiring beautiful plots and staunchly defending the authentic expression of Burgundy terroirs, he set the estate on a course to legend. Hubert's devotion to the terroir was unwavering, emphasizing its importance in an era where over 90% of regional wines were standardized in style.
As the torch passed to his son, Etienne de Montille, the narrative of rejuvenation and expansion continued. Over two decades, Etienne has skillfully orchestrated the estate's rise, establishing its reputation in reds and whites. The acquisition of lands in Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, and beyond saw the estate return to its 19th-century stature, nearly touching 35 hectares. But Etienne's vision didn't stop at the borders of France. With ventures like Racines estates in California and Montille x Hokkaido in Japan launched in 2017, his audacious spirit shone through.
At the heart of Domaine de Montille is a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned wisdom. The collaborative efforts of Brian and Jacques, from Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, respectively, culminate in the creation of fine Burgundy wines. More than twenty individuals from diverse corners of the world breathe life into this estate, unified by their shared passion for winemaking.
