Puligny Montrachet 1er cru Les Chalumeaux 2023 Domaine Matrot

The Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumeaux 2023 from Domaine Matrot is a gastronomic Puligny of complex, chiselled minerality. Les Chalumeaux may not be as celebrated as its neighbours Champ Canet or Les Combettes, yet it yields nothing in finesse, elegance or subtle mineral intensity. The 2023 vintage impresses with its verve and energy, standing as one of the most beautiful and refined wines of the climat: straight, intense, mineral, it vibrates with a chalky signature.

Terroir and vines

North of Puligny Montrachet, just below the hamlet of Blagny, the climat Les Chalumeaux sits at a slightly higher altitude than other Premier Crus of the appellation, on a slope facing east and south east. The shallow marly limestone soil, composed of rendzinas, imparts floral grace, refined mineral structure and fleshy density. The Chardonnay vines, around thirty years old, are farmed organically with manual harvest. Grapes are pressed as whole bunches, with 24 hours settling before racking and barrel filling. Fermentation proceeds with indigenous yeasts, followed by complete malolactic conversion. Ageing continues on lees for fifteen to eighteen months in Burgundian barrels without new wood, then one month in tank before bottling to refine the balance.

Tasting profile

The robe is pale yellow with light green glints. The nose is intense and precise, opulent without excess, dominated by white flowers, fresh apricot and lemon blossom, with dried fruit, toasted hazelnut and a delicate hint of mint. With aeration, complexity deepens. The palate is fresh and saline, with a crystalline structure, ample flesh and a serrated texture of restrained substance. The finish is long, straight, intense and mineral.

The domaine

A family domaine since 1835, based in Meursault, Domaine Matrot has been run since 2016 by the sixth generation, Adèle and Elsa Matrot, daughters of Thierry and Pascale, who have preserved the domaine's style whilst bringing greater finesse, making the wines more approachable in youth without compromising their cellaring potential. Its Meursault and Puligny Montrachet Premier Crus rank among the great references of the Côte de Beaune.

Food pairing

This Puligny Montrachet pairs with lobster, turbot, scallops with citrus, langoustine en Bellevue, John Dory or semi hard cheese. Served at 12 to 13°C with light decanting, it may be enjoyed now or cellared until 2034 and beyond.