Discover Puligny-Montrachet in six wines
Puligny-Montrachet is a name synonymous with elegance in the world of white wine. Founded in the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy, this appellation is revered for producing some of the finest Chardonnay in the world. Its unique terroir, characterized by limestone-rich soils and a favorable climate, imparts exquisite minerality and complexity to its wines, making Puligny-Montrachet a paragon Burgundy's white expressions.
Fast facts
Name: Puligny-Montrachet takes its name from the village of Puligny, derived from a Gallo-Roman military encampment Puliniacus, coupled with the grand cru vineyard Montrachet, named Mont-Rachet or bald hill on account of it being a hill without a tree.
Location: Situated in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet is surrounded by other renowned wine villages like Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet.
Climate and Soil: The region benefits from a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The soils, predominantly limestone with a mix of clay, provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wines' distinctive minerality.
Grapes: Puligny-Montrachet is dedicated almost exclusively to Chardonnay, celebrated for its precision, elegance, and potential for aging, however, a small fraction of the region grows Pinot Noir also.
Puligny-Montrachet's wines are known for their bright acidity, rich texture, and complex aromas, often featuring notes of citrus, white flowers, and flinty minerality. Let's delve into six exceptional wines that epitomize the excellence of this esteemed appellation.
Indulge in the wines:
Domaine de Montille is committed to traditional winemaking and biodynamic viticulture. The 'Le Cailleret' vineyard, so named for its rocky soil, produces wines of purity and finesse. This wine offers an intricate bouquet of lemon zest, white peach, and a hint of hazelnut, underpinned by a vibrant mineral backbone. On the palate, it is both powerful and precise, with a long, elegant finish.
A name synonymous with excellence in Burgundy. Clos de la Mouchère, a monopole within the Les Perrières vineyard, beautifully expresses Henri Boillot's meticulous craftsmanship. This wine exudes complexity with its aromas of ripe citrus, acacia, and a touch of vanilla from judicious oak aging. The palate is rich and full-bodied, yet maintains a remarkable balance and freshness.
Etienne Sauzet is celebrated for producing wines that express the purity and elegance of the region. The Champ-Canet vineyard is known for its fine, pebbly soils which contribute to the wine's refined structure. Expect aromas of green apple, pear, and subtle floral notes. The wine is beautifully textured, with a harmonious balance of fruit and minerality, culminating in a lingering, sophisticated finish.
A legendary estate in Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Leflaive is renowned for its biodynamic practices and exceptional wines. 'Les Pucelles', meaning “the maidens” in French, is one of their most esteemed vineyards, producing wines of stunning depth and complexity. This wine boasts aromas of citrus blossom, honey, and almond, layered with a distinct minerality. The palate is rich and creamy, yet impeccably balanced, with a long, nuanced finish that reflects its grand cru pedigree.
A rising star in Burgundy, Pierre Yves Colin Morey is known for a minimalist approach to winemaking. The whimsically named 'Les Folatières' refers to a place where mythical beings dwell and is one of the largest premier cru vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, offering wines with exceptional aromatic complexity.
Look for notes of lemon curd, white flowers, and wet stone. The wine is intense and vibrant, with a chalky minerality and a finish that goes on and on.
Benoit Ente is a meticulous winemaker whose attention to detail is evident in every bottle. 'Clos de la Truffière', the truffle enclosure, is a small, walled vineyard that produces wines of great precision and elegance. This wine reveals a bouquet of citrus peel, crushed rocks, and a hint of truffle, reflecting its unique terroir. On the palate, it is both taut and generous, with a vibrant acidity and a persistent, mineral-driven finish.
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