About the Montrachet, the writer Stendhal was amazed that this "little dry and ugly mountain should produce such a great wine", or as they say in Burgundy, the habit does not make the monk. It is indeed a true Burgundy paradox that a rocky hill should hide in its cellar the wherewithal to make the greatest dry white wines in the world, such as Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet.
Montrachet: the most southern of Burgundy’s Grands Crus
On Beaune’s southern slopes, there are two villages, Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, which share Montrachet. It takes its name from its appearance.
In the Middle Ages, it was called Mont Rachet or Mont Rachaz, meaning it was a bare mountain, bald, where only thorny vegetation and boxwood grew. In summer, these stony vineyards facing south-southeast are a real furnace. Nevertheless, the Cistercian monks from Maizière Abbey and the Lords of Chagny would quickly understand the potential of this unparalleled land. The hillsides of Montrachet vineyards with their fertile vein of red-brown earth are such a treasure that it is customary to scrape the soil from your clogs or shoes, depending on the season, when working in Le Montrachet.
Enjoy the Montrachet "On your knees and head uncovered"
If Stendhal was a critical type, this was not the case with Alexandre Dumas, who regularly urged the taster to show due respect to Montrachet by enjoying it "on your knees and head uncovered". On the nose, its bouquet evokes butter, hot croissant, fern and honey; it is a steady, creamy virtuoso wine that pulls off a tour de force: perfect harmony. On the table, this lord of all Burgundy wines is paired with noble dishes: monkfish, a fine piece of chicken, but also caviar, lobster ... and all so easy!
About Montrachet. Did you know?
Montrachet’s vineyards spread over 7.99 hectares precisely, and are divided between 18 owners producing 50 000 bottles a year. It is the eldest in a family of 4 Grands Crus that surround it: Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet.
