Chassagne-Montrachet: the 2011 vintage

Contents

The Chassagne-Montrachet appellation

Recognized as an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée since 1937, the vines of the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation are planted in the south of the Côte de Beaune, between the communes of Chassagne-Montrachet and Remigny (only a few vines are planted there, the majority being in Chassagne-Montrachet). The two king grape varieties of Burgundy are represented here: Chardonnay is in the majority (representing 215.93 hectares in 2018), followed by Pinot Noir (92.16 hectares). The Chassagne-Montrachet appellation is classified as AOC Village, AOC Premier Cru and AOC Grand Cru. Of all the climats authorized to produce the appellation, 55 are classified Premier Cru (including, for example, Les Murées, La Roquemaure and La Cardeuse) and 3 are classified Grands Crus (Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet). The vines are located at a relatively low altitude (between 220 and 325 meters), and planted on a variety of soils depending on the climate: limestone and stony soils, marl soils or sandier soils.

The Chassagne-Montrachet appellation, with its varied soils and continental climate conducive to the production of high-quality wines, produces fine, well-balanced wines. White wines can be recognized by their aromas of hawthorn, acacia, verbena and hazelnut, with occasional notes of toast or fresh butter (which will evolve into honeyed notes or ripe pear over time). The red Chassagne-Montrachet wines reveal a concentrated, flavorful structure, with notes of morello cherry, cherry pit and raspberry.

The 2011 vintage

The year 2011 was marked by some rather unusual weather. The first few months of the year were particularly mild, with average spring temperatures well above seasonal normals. There was also an unprecedented low level of precipitation and, conversely, very high levels of sunshine, which even exceeded summer averages. In the summer, weather trends were reversed, with the installation of great instability and daily stormy precipitation. The month of July made its mark, with heavy rainfall and historically mild temperatures (one of the coldest Julys in the last 20 years!). August was more favorable to vine ripening, with drier, warmer weather. The 2011 harvest was relatively early, starting at the end of August in many areas.

In white wines, despite low yields, quality is up to scratch. The Chassagne-Montrachet wines are highly aromatic, dominated by notes of ripe fruit and dried fruit. On the palate, they are lively and, thanks to the years since 2011, have softened to achieve exceptional harmony. The 2011 vintage has reached its full potential, and is the perfect match for veal sweetbreads with porcini mushrooms, or scallop ravioli.

In red, the Chassagne-Montrachet 2011 are tasty and delicate, and are a great success. Dominated by elegant fruity notes, they reveal a full-bodied palate, with soft, velvety tannins. Pair with a slab of beef with morel mushrooms, or a foie gras pie!

Photo : Adobe Stock / Aurélien Ibanez