9/23/2024
[Photo Courtesy of Polaner Selections]
Domaine de Montille is drenched in history from their almost 300 years in Burgundy. The estate dates back to the 1730’s but for times sake I will fast forward to 1947 when Hubert de Montille took over. At the time, the family only had 2.5 hectares of vines, mainly in Volnay and Pommard. During the 1940’s, 90% of the wine in Burgundy was sold to négociants. But Hubert, who was passionate about making wine, was committed to estate-bottling everything. His wines were classically structured and built to age. By 1983, his son Etienne joined the domaine and the dedication in winemaking was clearly in his genes. One of the first changes Etienne made was beginning the conversion to Organic farming in 1995, and then in 2005 he began implementing biodynamic techniques. In reference to their farming practices Etienne has said, “We employ biodynamic techniques as a way to support and stimulate the vines, but organic farming is the foundation of what we do."
In addition to his enhancements in the vineyards, Etienne has expanded the family’s holdings to an impressive 35 hectares! This ranges through the Côte d’Or and includes some of the best vineyards such as Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Malconsorts and Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Caillerets. Today, we are excited to highlight some of our favorite reds from the Domaine, specifically highlighting bottlings from the Côte de Beaune, including Beaune 1er Cru Greves and Pommard 1er Cru Rugien Bas, both of which Etienne considers to be “Grand Premier Crus.” I will draw your attention to the change in label design with these two cuvées where Etienne has made the choice to put the vineyard name above the village name, while on most of the domaine’s wines the village is listed first. Below you will find more detailed information for each of the 5 cuvées we have available. I highly recommend the chance to snag these premier crus while you can and add on some Bourgogne Rouge to enjoy while you wait for the others to hit their prime. And don’t forget, magnums show you care!
-Hanna Krilov
[Photo Courtesy of Polaner Selections]
2021 de Montille Bourgogne Rouge
This regional red Burgundy is a blend from the lieu-dit ‘Les Longbois’ in Volnay and various vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet. Even with 60% lower yields due to frost during the spring, the vintage still provides a classic and well-balanced wine. Great drinkability in this wine, perfect to enjoy now as you age the Premier Crus!
2021 de Montille Beaune 1er Cru Greves
This premier Cru gets its name from the gravely soils that the vineyard is located on. The cru in total is 20 hectares in the heart of the hillside in Beaune. De Montille’s 1.26 hectare plot is located just south of the infamous “Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus” from Maison Bouchard. The wine has structured tannins with fine acidity and notes of blackberry and tobacco.
2020 de Montille Pommard 1er Cru Pézerolles
The vineyard name comes from the old French “Poizerolles” meaning chickpea, which most likely grew alongside the vines at one time. It’s situated in the northern part of Pommard adjacent to Beaune but interestingly enough often makes wines more similar in style to Volnay, more slender and subtle. For this vintage, the wine contains 50% whole cluster. These generous wines will be accessible young, yet it is still recommended to let them age a while longer.
2020 de Montille Volnay 1er Cru Champans
Champans is one of the largest, yet also most renowned crus in Volnay. Its name refers to the slope on which the vineyard sits. Domaine de Montille’s vines stretch over the entire hillside allowing for optimal sunshine. The wine is perfumed, and elegant, with lively acidity. Great to drink now, even better with some more age.
2021 de Montille Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens Bas
Rugiens refers to the vineyard’s red soil that contains clay that is rich in iron. The Bas portion is the lower part of the vineyard and is considered to be the best location within Rugiens as well as within Pommard itself. Domaine de Montille is the largest landowner in the vineyard with 1.02 of the total 5.83 hectares of Rugien Bas. Today, we are excited to offer both the 750ml as well as the magnum which is sure to be a stunner at any Party.
