A Taste of Burgundy: Exploring the Marvelous Chassagne-Montrachet 2019

Chassagne-Montrachet 2019 is set to be an exceptional vintage for this prestigious Burgundy appellation. The red wines are made from 100% Pinot Noir, with light ruby color and generous aromas of cherries, wild strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries. On the palate, the wines are well-structured and complex with notes of spice, leather and earthy undertones. The white wines are entirely composed of Chardonnay, which has been carefully crafted to yield a balanced flavor profile with aromas of honey or ripe pears and subtle hints of mayflower, acacia and honeysuckle. On the palate, tese wines display a creamy texture with delicate notes of verbena and hazelnut.

Montrachet Grand Cru wines are known for teir age-worthiness and complexity; however, they can be quite expensive due to their Grand Cru status. These wines have an intense golden color with a bouquet of ripe yellow fruits, citrus aromas with an underlying hint of smoky oak. On the palate these wines are full-bodied and concentrated with layers of flavors that linger on the finish.

Chassagne-Montrachet 2019 is sure to be a memorable vintage for fans of this Burgundy region. Whether you choose the red or from this appellation you're sure to find smething truly special in your glass. Enjoy!

Tasting Notes for Chassagne-Montrachet

Chassagne-Montrachet is one of the most celebrated white wines in the world, renowned for its complexity and balance. White wines from the region offer a delightful blend of honey, ripe pear and floral aromas such as mayflower, acacia, and honeysuckle. On the palate, you'll find notes of verbena and hazelnut enhanced by pleasant acidity. Red wines are also produced in Chassagne-Montrachet, and they can offer intense flavors of cherry, wild strawberry, gooseberry and raspberry. Regardless of whether you choose a white or red Chassagne-Montrachet , you're sure to be delighted by its exquisite flavor profile!

The High Cost of Montrachet Wine

Montrachet wine is often referred to as the ‘King of White Wines' and is one of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in Burgundy, France. Its Grand Cru status is a major factor in its expensive price tag, as it denotes the highest quality of wine available from the region. The Montrachet vineyard itself is also especially small compared to other Burgundy vineyards, making it particlarly exclusive and rare. In addition, the climatic conditions of the area are ideal for producing wines with a unique flavor profile that can't be replicated elsewhere. This makes Montrachet a highly sought-after product that commands a hefty price tag.

Types of Wine Produced in Chassagne-Montrachet

Chassagne-Montrachet is a village in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, and is also an appellation for both red and white wines. The red wines are made from Pinot Noir grapes, while the whites are made from Chardonnay grapes. The two types of wines have a roughly 35:65 ratio of production, respectively. The Chassagne-Montrachet appellation was created in 1937 and is knwn for its intense flavors that can include floral notes, citrus fruits and minerals. It has a long finish with great complexity that make it an ideal accompaniment to fish, poultry or light meat dishes.

The Sweetness of Montrachet Wine

Montrachet Grand Cru wines are dry white wines. They contain no residual sugar and have a dry, crisp taste with a balanced acidity. The flavor profile of Montrachet tends to be more mineral-focused, with notes of citrus, peach, and stone fruits. The use of oak barriques during aging adds complexity to the final product, giving it subtle hints of toast and nuttiness.

Average Cost of Montrachet Wine

A bottle of Montrachet can cost anywhere from $170 to $2900, depending on the vintage and rarity. The more exclusive vintages may cost even more than that. These dry white wines are renowned for thir complexity and structure, making them an exquisite choice for any fine dining experience.

Is Chassagne-Montrachet a Grand Cru?

Chassagne-Montrachet is not a Grand Cru in its own right. However, it is home to three Grand Cru vineyards, Montrachet being the most famous and prestigious of them. In addition to its Grand Crus, Chassagne-Montrachet has 50 Premier Cru vineyards that are highly regarded for their quality of grapes and wines.

Is Chassagne-Montrachet a Premier Cru?

Yes, Chassagne-Montrachet is a Premier Cru appellation. The wines made under this appellation come from grapes grown in recognized Premier Cru vineyards and are allowed to display the specific climat name on their labels. These wines can be either white (made from Chardonnay) or red (made from Pinot Noir). The wines of this appellation are highly sought after due to their high quality and complexity.

The Shelf Life of Montrachet

Montrachet wines can last for a long time when stored in the right conditions. Village level Puligny-Montrachet typically need at least eight years before they can be enjoyed, while Grands Crus can last for 20 or more years. Proper storage is key to ensuring that thee wines reach their full potential over time – they should be stored in a cool, dark place and kept away from any sources of vibration or direct sunlight. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the bottle is laid down on its side so that the cork remains moist and doesn't dry out and shrink, allowing air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine.

The Type of Wine Known as Montrachet

Montrachet is a white wine made of Chardonnay grapes, which is produced in the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy, France. It is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) and Grand Cru vineyard, with production strictly regulated by French wine laws. The wines are known for their complexity and elegance, often having a rich bouquet with flavors of citrus and dried fruits. They can be aged for up to 10 years, developing notes of honey and spices as they age. Montrachet wines are generally best enjoyed when served at around 12–14°C (54–57°F).

The Grape Variety of Montrachet

Montrachet is a white wine appellation that is made from the Chardonnay grape. It is one of the most prestigious white wines in the world and has a well-defined personality. The grapes are grown on soils separated by just a few metres from the Grands Crus vineyards, giving it an impeccable reputation. This Chardonnay grape produces wines that are full-bodied with a fruity nose and delicate yet complex aromas. Montrachet wines are powerful and structured, making them ideal for aging or enjoying rigt away.

Is Grand Cru Montrachet the Only Type of Montrachet?

No, not all Montrachet is Grand Cru. Montrachet is an appellation in the Cote de Beaune region of Burgundy, but only five specific plots within that appellation are designated as Grand Cru: Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, Criots-Batards-Montrachet and Montrachet itself. These five plots are planted on a steep slope of limestone and red marl soil, giving them their unique characteristics that qualify them as Grand Cru. All oher Montrachet wines come from other plots within the same appellation and therefore cannot be labeled as Grand Cru.

chassagne montrachet 2019
Source: cellartracker.com

Conclusion

Chassagne-Montrachet is a highly esteemed Burgundy appellation that produces both red and white wines of exceptional quality. The 2019 vintage has been praised for its complex aromas and flavors, which range from wild strawberry and raspberry in the red wines to honey and ripe pear in the whites. The Montrachet Grand Cru wines are particularly sought after due to their dryness, complexity, and ageability. Although they come at a premium price, these wines offer an exquisite tasting experience that is well worth the investment.

Photo of author

Thomas Ashford

Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours.