Montille Beaune Les Sizies 2022

The 2022 Beaune 1er Cru "Les Sizies" from Domaine de Montille brilliantly captures both the warmth of this exceptional vintage and the precision that has become the hallmark of Étienne de Montille's winemaking philosophy. This premier cru offering from the estate's historic holdings in Beaune represents an outstanding value from one of Burgundy's most respected producers.

In barrel tastings, the wine displays a vibrant ruby-purple core with impressive depth of color that suggests perfect ripeness. The generous 2022 growing season has produced a wine of remarkable concentration while maintaining the transparency and site-specificity that defines de Montille's house style.

The nose is immediately captivating with its exuberant array of red and black fruits—ripe cherries, wild strawberries, and black raspberries—complemented by delicate floral notes of violet and rose petal. With air, more complex elements emerge: crushed stones, subtle baking spices, and that distinctive iron-tinged minerality characteristic of Beaune's terroir. The judicious use of whole clusters (approximately 40% for this vintage) contributes subtle herbal notes that add aromatic complexity without dominating.

On the palate, this 2022 Les Sizies is impressively concentrated yet remarkably balanced. Medium to full-bodied with beautifully integrated tannins that provide structure while remaining refined, the wine delivers generous fruit flavors framed by vibrant acidity that speaks to de Montille's commitment to freshness even in warmer vintages. What distinguishes this bottling is its perfect equilibrium between the ripeness of 2022 and the inherent elegance of the site.

The finish is long and harmonious, gradually transitioning from pure fruit to more complex mineral notes with impressive persistence. A subtle saline quality on the finish enhances the wine's refreshing character despite its concentration.

Production Notes

Les Sizies is a premier cru vineyard located in the southern sector of Beaune, characterized by its east-facing slopes and limestone-rich soils with significant clay content. This terroir typically produces wines with excellent structure and aging potential—characteristics that have been amplified by the near-perfect 2022 growing conditions.

Under Étienne de Montille's leadership, the domaine has fully converted to organic and biodynamic farming practices (Ecocert and Demeter certified). Yields are kept low through meticulous vineyard management, with all grapes harvested by hand and rigorously sorted. Fermentation employs indigenous yeasts with approximately 40% whole clusters, varying by vintage conditions. Aging takes place over 12-14 months in French oak barrels (approximately 30% new for Les Sizies) before bottling without fining or filtration.

Why We Love It

The 2022 Beaune Les Sizies from de Montille exemplifies why savvy Burgundy collectors increasingly turn to premier cru Beaune for exceptional value. While the grand crus and premier crus of neighboring villages command significantly higher prices, Beaune continues to offer remarkable quality-to-price ratio, particularly from producers of de Montille's caliber.

This bottling beautifully showcases Étienne de Montille's evolution of the family domaine's style—maintaining the structure and aging potential that his father Hubert was known for while introducing greater aromatic complexity and accessibility in youth. The exceptional 2022 vintage provides the perfect canvas for this evolution, creating a wine that will drink beautifully upon release while having the structure to age gracefully for 15+ years.

Perfect Pairings

The wine's balance of fruit intensity and structural integrity makes it versatile at the table. Classic pairings include herb-roasted rack of lamb, duck breast with cherry reduction, or mushroom-based dishes that complement the wine's earthy undertones. For a particularly memorable experience, try with game birds like squab or pheasant, or aged cheeses such as Époisses or Comté.

Technical Details

• Appellation: Beaune 1er Cru
• Vineyard: Les Sizies
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Aging: 12-14 months in French oak (30% new)
• Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic
• Optimal Drinking Window: 2026-2038
• Direct Import