Premier Cru Montmains Domaine
The vintage
After a mild and wet winter, we observed an historically early bud break mid-March. It was followed by a very cold, dry, and windy period at the end of March, with frosty nights, which fortunately didn’t impact our vineyards. This episode was followed by high temperatures, particularly in April, which accelerated vine growth. In the later-ripening areas, flowering finished around May 28-30. After a wet June, July turned very dry with two heatwaves at the end of July and the beginning of August, causing sunburn on the most exposed grape clusters. The alternation of heat and light rain in early August accelerated ripening, allowing harvest to begin on August 25.
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 cover 3.89 hectares, oriented southeast, 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 %