Chablis Montmains 2019: A Mineral-Driven Masterpiece from Burgundy’s Premier Terroir
The 2019 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru from Chaude Ecuelle is a wine that beautifully expresses the unique terroir of Chablis, one of Burgundy’s most celebrated wine regions. Chaude Ecuelle is a winery respected for its dedication to quality and tradition (without ever straying into Kimmeridgian dogmatism), located in the heart of Chablis. Montmains is one of the appellation’s most renowned Premier Crus, known for producing wines with extraordinary minerality and vibrant freshness.
The Basics
- Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru AOC
- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Vintage: 2019
- Region: Burgundy, France
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 13%
- Aging: In stainless steel, with partial oak aging to preserve freshness and aromatic purity, while adding subtle complexity.
Organoleptic Characteristics
The Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2019 by Chaude Ecuelle has a bright and luminous straw yellow color. On the nose, the wine offers an elegant and complex bouquet, dominated by notes of fresh citrus fruits, such as lemon and grapefruit, complemented by hints of white flowers, green apple, and a marked minerality that recalls flint, characteristic of the best Chablis. Softer nuances of hazelnut and butter can also be perceived, derived from the partial aging in wood.
On the palate, the wine is penetrating for its salt, with a vibrant acidity that gives extraordinary drinkability, lightness, and ease of expression. The body is medium, with a well-balanced structure and a finish that recalls oyster. The minerality is the protagonist, supported by a delicate fruitiness that manifests itself with notes of pear, green apple, and a touch of white peach. The wood is present in a very discreet way, adding complexity without overpowering the purity of the fruit. It may not be the most complex of French whites, but it has grit and a certain aromatic boldness.
Terroir and Technical Info
The Montmains vineyard is located on the left bank of the Serein River, characterized by a predominantly calcareous soil with the presence of clay and marine fossils. These elements give the wine its unmistakable minerality and lively acidity, typical of the best Chablis. The grapes for this Premier Cru are harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness, ensuring a rigorous selection of the best bunches.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, followed by aging on fine lees for approximately 10-12 months. A small portion of the wine is aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth without compromising the characteristic freshness of Chablis.
Pairings
This Chablis Premier Cru pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as oysters, scallops, and grilled fish. It also complements veal with tuna sauce, spaghetti with clams, spaghetti carbonara, and pad thai. It is also ideal with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Price
38 euros: A fair price and justified by the solid quality of the wine.