Varietal

100% Chardonnay.

Tasting notes

Pale gold in colour. Floral, spicy nose reminiscent of cardamom and orange blossom. Round, unctuous and mineral on the palate with flavours of toasted nuts. Beautiful structure will allow this wine to age well.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal with salmon in white butter sauce as well as with roasted capon or guinea fowl.

Serving suggestions

Serve ideally at a temperature of 14°C (57°F.)

Ageing potential

4 to 6 years after its vintage.

Origin

On the left bank of the Serein, nestled between the "Bois des Lys" and "Broques de Biques", the 37 hectares of the "Montmains" climate rise above a hillside at a low altitude. The grapes from which this cuvée comes come from a plot known for its marly profile and another cultivated on stonier soil.

"Montmains" brings together, under its flag-bearer banner, itself as well as the Climats "Butteaux" et "Forêts". Together they cover approximately 118 hectares. This long climate is oriented South-East/North-East and benefits from the sun in the early hours of the day.

From 1537, several spellings were used to designate this Climate, such as "Montméen" or "Montmoyen". Montmains simply designates the mountain which is at an intermediate altitude, between two higher coasts.

Vinification and maturing

- both grapes and must were brought in
- long pneumatic pressing
- cold static settling of the juice
- alcoholic fermentation began in stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts after 3 days, approximately 15% of the juice was transferred to fine-grained barrels where it continued alcoholic fermentation the remaining juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks for 7 to 10 days under controlled temperatures (18° to 20°C) to preserve a maximum of fruit and glycerol
- 100% malolactic fermentation
- aged on full lees for 7 months with regular stirring of the lees to lend richness

Vintage : 2008

The 2008 growth cycle followed up-and-down weather patterns which resulted in late budburst, uneven flowering depending on the vineyard’s exposure, and fungal diseases requiring both spraying and know-how on the part of the grower. Millerandage was inevitable given such conditions which limited yields. Paradoxically, though the Yonne department’s northern location means summer temperatures are relatively cool; this region received less rainfall during the summer than regions further south. Late harvesting allowed us to get the most out of the sunshine experienced during the second half of September, resulting in a 2008 vintage that is very harmonious, concentrated, and fruity, with perfect balance between sugar and acidity.