Premier Cru Montmains
The vintage
The 2023 vintage was characterized by a mild and dry winter, followed by frosts in April, with no major impact on the vines. After a hot and dry month of May, storms in June led to a high but well-managed health pressure by the estate's teams. During the summer, alternating heat and rainfall accelerated the ripening of the grapes despite a veraison slowed by the lack of water in August. The harvest, which began in early September under high temperatures, yielded generous volumes with excellent health conditions.
Location
Appellation of 118 hectares on the left bank of the Serein, on very well-oriented lands but very sensitive to frost. The Premier Cru Montmains has a distinct typicity linked to its very stony terroir, which gives the wine very pronounced mineral aromas, with extraordinary power and excellent aging potential.
Terroir
Fairly deep soils over an airy Kimmeridgian subsoil, with a mix of marl and clays. The plots, oriented southeast, are located in the lieux-dits Montmains, Butteaux and Forêt, and are very representative of this Premier Cru.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1h30 to 2h00) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. Very light static settling to retain enough fine lees for the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations to occur naturally. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 18 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 30% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Tasting
Structured, nervy and mineral wine with good length on the palate. Very precise and fresh, it shows exemplary concentration.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %