2019 Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Maranges Vieilles Vignes

The 2020 Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Maranges Vieilles Vignes is a refined white Burgundy that captures the elegance of old-vine Chardonnay from the southern Côte de Beaune. Born from a challenging yet ultimately excellent vintage, it offers impressive finesse, purity and balance at a still approachable price for Burgundy. This cuvée hails from venerable 90+ year-old vines in a walled vineyard on red clay and chalk soils, bordering the famed Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau, and stands as a textbook expression of poised, mineral-driven Chardonnay from Maranges.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the wine shows a pale to medium straw-yellow color with subtle golden highlights, hinting at both freshness and depth. The nose is finely etched and immediately inviting: crisp citrus tones of lemon zest and grapefruit mingle with yellow and green apple, a light floral lift, and understated notes of white spice, chalk and a delicate touch of vanilla from carefully judged oak. On the palate, this is all about precision and harmony rather than power. Medium-bodied, it unfolds with a core of vibrant orchard fruit and citrus wrapped in a supple, rounded texture. The acidity is bright yet perfectly integrated, giving energy and length without any sharp edges. Subtle oak-derived nuances—almond, a whisper of toast and vanilla—are seamlessly woven into the fruit and minerality rather than sitting on top. The finish is clean, long and subtly saline, with a fine, chalky grip that invites another sip. Enjoyable now with a brief aeration, it has the structure and freshness to develop additional complexity over the next 5–7 years, gaining more nutty, honeyed and tertiary nuances with careful cellaring.

Production
The fruit for this wine comes from a small, walled parcel (clos) of very old Chardonnay vines, over 90 years in age, rooted in red clay and chalk soils that lend both ripeness and a distinctive mineral backbone. The site lies adjacent to Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau, in the southern reaches of the Côte de Beaune, where the slightly cooler, breezy exposures help preserve freshness even in warmer years. In the challenging 2020 vintage—marked by frost, hail and naturally low yields—grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness to balance concentration with acidity. Around 70% of the bunches are destemmed, with the remaining 30% fermented as whole clusters, using only indigenous yeasts to respect the character of the terroir. The wine is then aged in French oak barriques, about 20% of which are new, for a carefully monitored élevage that polishes texture and adds gentle complexity without overwhelming the delicate fruit profile.

Food & Serving
This refined Maranges blanc is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with dishes that mirror its balance of richness and freshness. Think seared scallops, poached or roasted white fish with beurre blanc, grilled prawns, roast chicken with herbs, veal in cream sauces, or vegetable dishes such as leek tart, mushroom fricassée or roasted cauliflower with almonds. It also complements semi-soft cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, or a mild goat cheese. Serve at around 11–12°C (52–54°F) to highlight its precision and aromatic detail—too warm and the structure will blur, too cold and the nuances will be muted. When young, open the bottle about an hour before serving and, if possible, pour into a medium to large Burgundy-style white wine glass; a brief, gentle aeration helps the citrus, apple and subtle spicy notes fully emerge.

Producer
Domaine Bachelet-Monnot is one of the most exciting modern names in the Côte d’Or, despite being a relatively young domaine. Run by brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet, the estate was founded in 2005 when their grandfather chose to pass key vineyard holdings directly to his grandsons, rather than to the intervening generation. Both brothers had studied viticulture and gained experience across France and in the U.S., bringing back a thoughtful, perfectionist mindset to Burgundy. Today they farm parcels in some of the most prestigious villages—Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet—as well as crafting exemplary wines from the less-heralded but increasingly sought-after appellations of Maranges and Santenay. Known for their meticulous approach in both vineyard and cellar—constantly refining everything from barrel sizes and aging durations to cellar temperatures—Marc and Alexandre have rapidly earned a reputation for precision, elegance and terroir transparency, placing Domaine Bachelet-Monnot among the top contemporary references of the southern Côte de Beaune.

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