Domaine du Cellier aux Moines : Montagny 1er cru "Les Charmelottes" 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Montagny 2023 from Domaine du Cellier aux Moines

Tasting notes

Colour
The colour reveals a bright pale yellow hue, enhanced by subtle green highlights.

Nose
The nose opens with a lovely mineral tension and saline notes. It then reveals a bouquet of citrus dominated by lemon and fresh orange, complemented by aromas of pineapple and delicate floral touches reminiscent of honeysuckle and acacia.

Palate
The palate offers remarkable concentration and a creamy texture, underpinned by a mineral backbone and refreshing acidity. Flavours of fresh almonds gradually emerge, leading to a particularly long and lingering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with poached seafood, shellfish or simply grilled fine fish. It also goes very well with white meats, rabbit pie, asparagus-based dishes, or cheeses such as goat cheese, Comté or Beaufort.

Service and storage

This 2023 vintage can be enjoyed now, but it has the necessary structure to evolve favourably in the cellar and can be enjoyed until around 2029.

The mineral brilliance and richness of a great Montagny wine

The estate

Founded around 1130 by Cistercian monks, Domaine du Cellier aux Moines is a historic estate in Burgundy. Purchased in 2004 by Philippe and Catherine Pascal, the current owners, the estate has undergone extensive restoration. Supported by technical director Guillaume Marko, they now oversee a vineyard managed with an environmentally respectful approach, culminating in biodynamic certification in 2023. The estate stands out for its modern gravity-flow facilities and its commitment to showcasing each terroir with minimal intervention.

The vineyard

Located about thirty kilometres south of Beaune, the vineyard of the Montagny appellation flourishes on east- and southeast-facing slopes, at altitudes ranging from 250 to 400 metres. This distinctive terroir is composed of soils rich in clay and a high concentration of hard limestone. The estate favours manual, certified biodynamic viticulture, and uses massale selection to preserve the genetic diversity of its vines.

The vintage

The year 2023 began with a mild, wet winter, delaying budbreak until April and thus protecting the buds from spring frosts. May and June brought sunny, ideal conditions for even flowering. After a few storms and cooler temperatures in early July, the weather warmed significantly. A notable heatwave settled in during August, at harvest time, allowing for healthy, perfectly ripe berries.

Winemaking and aging

The creation of this wine relies on a meticulous plot-by-plot approach. The berries are processed within an innovative gravity-flow cellar, spread over four levels, three of which are underground. This design allows the wine to move naturally, without mechanical pumping, thereby limiting oxidation. The estate's philosophy leans towards minimal intervention during winemaking, allowing the terroir to express itself fully.

Grape variety

Chardonnay (100%)