Varietal

100% Chardonnay.

Tasting notes

Pale golden colour with green tints Intense nose reminiscent of citrus zest and toast. Fresh, mineral attack marked by notes of almonds and citrus fruits, developing into a very distinctive finish which is mineral and slightly smoky.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal accompaniment to grilled fish or fish in sauce, equally good with roast chicken.

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

- Grapes and must delivered.
- Long pneumatic pressing
- Static cold settling of the musts
- Alcoholic fermentation started in stainless steel vats with the addition of selected yeasts
- After 3 days, around 15% of the juice is drawn off and transferred into fine-grained wooden barrels for the continuation of the fermentation process. - For the wine remaining in the stainless steel vats, fermentation for 7 to 10 days at controlled temperatures (18 to 20°C) to conserve as much fruit as possible.
- 100% malolactic fermentation
- Matured on the lees for 10 months

Vintage : 2009

Winter had been harsh and dry and vine stocks pruning took place in cold and sound conditions. In April temperatures increased as well as precipitations and auspicious weather conditions allowed an optimum budding-out. Late May the growth cycle was 10 days in advance compare to 2008 and full flowering was reached by the 10th of June. If July is marked with dampness - 20% precipitation more than normal – August is one of the warmest since several years and veraison is complete as early as the 15th. September being warm and dry; grapes naturally increase their degree of alcohol from 1 to 1,5% per week. The first grapes were pressed on the 14th. The persistent beautiful weather gave to the less early parcels the chance to come to ripeness. Therefore the last grapes were harvested in the same very healthy conditions than the first ones and arrived to the winery on the 24th of September. A very promising vintage!