Monthélie 2023
Surrounded by its prestigious neighbors, Volnay, Auxey-Duresses and Meursault, Monthélie has asserted itself over the years. The detour through this picturesque little village has become
a must for lovers of quality wines.
Origin
Monthélie is one of the smallest appellations in the Côte de Beaune, with a mere 120 ha of planted vines, including its minuscule 7.5 ha production of Chardonnay. The altitude is around 280 metres, with steep slopes and a south-easterly exposure which give the grapes excellent maturity year after year. The ground here is so-called ‘white’ soil with a low limestone content, bestowing refinement and subtlety on the wine.
Our supply comes from plots located at the top of the hill.
Viticulture
Grape variety: chardonnay
Soils: mostly limestone.
Orientation: East
Surface area under vine: 0.2073 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 44 hL/ha
Average age of the vine: 45 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 13 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked.
At the winery: the whole bunches of grapes were gently pressed for 2½ hours. The temperature of the must was brought down to 12°C then was immediately transferred to barrels with no settling to preserve a maximum of lees.
Ageing
Maturation: aged for 18 months in 450 L barrels with no racking or stirring to bring out all of this wine’s minerality. A proportion of 50% new French oak barrels.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time to impart a subtle, delicate touch of oak were used.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on March 12, 2025, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 1,147.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: from 6 to 9 years.
Tasting notes
Pale yellow in color with golden highlights, this wine is immediately seductive in its brilliance. It develops a complex bouquet of white peach and pear, enhanced by fresh notes of mint and sweet spices. The palate is opulent and dense, with good volume. Its fat attack is subtly balanced by a taut, elegant finish, giving the whole a charming, gourmet character.
