Montrachet

The fame of Montrachet has had almost mythical significance and is recognised throughout the world. In the 18th century, Thomas Jefferson, then President of the United Sates placed it on his list of the greatest wines and bought 12 vine plants which he tried to replant… in Virginia !

But the origins of Montrachet go back much further : in the 13th century, the Cistercian monks were given a few vines situated on the " Mont chauve " or " Mont Rachaz " between Puligny-Montrachet (to the north) and Chassagne-Montrachet (to the south). Over the centuries, Montrachet, often called the " vigne blanche du Seigneur " forged its identity thanks to the loving care of its owners, amongst which the Comte de Clermont-Montoison who had acquired these vineyards at the very same time as the Prince de Conti was making an exceptional Grand Cru of Romanée Conti.

In spite of the French Revolution, Montrachet kept its admirable, distinguished, aristocratic character due, amongst others, to Bouchard Père & Fils who helped to save this unique vineyard by buying 1.92 hectares in 1838 for the sum of 40 000 Francs ! Then, in 1839, Bernard Bouchard constructed a fine stone gateway which cost him 79 Francs …

Ideally positioned, facing south-south east, the land belonging to Bouchard Père & Fils is situated just beneath Chevalier Montrachet - another very famous Grand Cru - in the very heart of the "Appellation".

Always harvested by hand, carefully sorted, then aged in oak casks, Bouchard Père & Fils produces less than 5 000 bottles per year !

King of kings, this wine offers a concentration of all the qualities of the Great White Burgundies. From extremely poor ground on a chalk mound (hence the name of "mont chauve") this wine is the very proof that the greatest wines often come from regions where growing conditions are the most extreme.

With its splendid, bright gold colour this Grand Cru develops complex aromas of hazelnut mixed with fine notes of honey. A wine for laying down, Montrachet has elegance, charm and character.