All too often, people speak of ‘Montrachet’ wine. The wines are known as pricey and exclusive. But this is not just any wine, but a family of wines. Montrachet can refer to as many as seven different wines (appellations). In this article, we explain ‘Montrachet’.
In the Côte d’Or department, in the southern Côte de Beaune, we find two villages: Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. The villages lie next to each other and are crossed by the D906. In both villages, the population does not exceed 500, and this number is even declining slightly. Yet the villages are world-famous. And all for their vineyards. According to many, nowhere does the Chardonnay grape express itself as well as here. A varied soil with gravelly limestone, calcareous clay, marl and sandy soil are ideal breeding grounds for this Burgundy grape. Add the continental climate, altitude and exposure to the sun, and we have some key components to produce exceptional wine. That wine is then called Puligny-Montrachet or Chassange-Montrachet. So-called ‘Village’ appellations. The label then also says Puligny-Montrachet or Chassagne-Montrachet. Whether or not accompanied by Premier Cru and/or the vineyard.
The appellations are not that large. Puligny-Montrachet has about 95 hectares of vineyards, Chassange-Montrachet over 300. The latter also produces red wines. The wines are pricey and fairly exclusive, but what makes the areas really special is the fact that there are no fewer than five Grand Cru vineyards.
Grand Cru
So the region is home to five Grand Cru appellations. All white, and all made from Chardonnay. The wines are considered the best in the world. They are Le Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet. The vineyards are minuscule and close together. Yet they differ in exposition, soil and microclimate. As a result, they all have their own character.
Le Montrachet
Le Montrachet, often referred to simply as ‘Montrachet’ is probably the region’s most famous and prestigious Grand Cru. The vineyard is located on the border between the villages of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. Wines from Le Montrachet are praised for their intense complexity, balance and concentration. Its rich, creamy structure and aromas of ripe white fruit, honey and minerals make it an exceptional wine. Often considered the pinnacle of white Burgundy. The vineyard is less than 10 hectares in size.
Bâtard-Montrachet
Below Le Montrachet is the Bâtard-Montrachet vineyard, which is located in both Puligny and Chassagne. Wines from this vineyard are fuller and more robust than those from Le Montrachet, with more pronounced power. They have aromas of ripe stone fruit, butter and hazelnut, and are deep and concentrated. The structure of Bâtard-Montrachet wines is often slightly heavier, contributing to their long ageing potential and expressive character. The vineyards are 10 hectares in size.
Chevalier-Montrachet
Chevalier-Montrachet is located above Le Montrachet, in Puligny. Due to the slightly cooler location of this vineyard, the wines are more elegant and mineral. Chevalier-Montrachet wines are characterised by aromas of citrus, white flowers and limestone, providing a refined and light structure. These wines are often more refined and subtle than the others, and have a remarkably long finish. The vineyards cover 7.5 hectares.
Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet
Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, located next to Bâtard-Montrachet in Puligny-Montrachet, is a small Grand Cru vineyard. Wines from Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet tend to be slightly softer and more elegant, with delicate aromas of flowers, honey and white fruit. This vineyard is known for wines with delicate balance and less intense but complex minerality. The vineyards cover just 3.5 hectares.
Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet
Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet is the smallest of the five Montrachet Grand Crus and is located entirely in Chassagne-Montrachet. This vineyard produces rich, elegant wines with a silky texture and aromas of ripe fruit, honey and a delicate minerality. Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet wines are praised for their round and harmonious character and are loved for their elegance and aromatic complexity. The vineyard is minuscule, just 1.5 hectares.
So the ‘Montrachet’ family can refer to two Village wines, and five Grand Cru’s. The Villages are somewhat affordable. For just under 100 euros, very good wines from renowned winemakers are available. The Grand Cru’s are a different story. Here, prices range between 250 and 20,000 euros. A DRC Le Montrachet, for example, costs over 20,000 euros here.