Montille Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020

The 2020 Bourgogne Chardonnay from Domaine de Montille demonstrates why regional-level wines from top producers offer tremendous value in warm, ripe vintages. This entry-level white from one of Burgundy's most respected estates delivers remarkable quality and typicity that transcends its humble appellation designation.

In the glass, the wine displays a brilliant pale gold color with subtle green highlights—suggesting perfect ripeness while maintaining the freshness that defines de Montille's precise house style. The brilliant clarity reflects the estate's minimal intervention approach to winemaking.

The nose opens with inviting aromas of ripe citrus—Meyer lemon, white peach, and yellow apple—complemented by subtle floral notes of acacia and fresh almonds. With aeration, more complex elements emerge: hints of wet stone, a touch of hazelnut, and that distinctive mineral character that reflects the wine's limestone-rich origins. The judicious use of oak (less than 10% new) provides subtle textural support without masking the wine's pristine fruit expression.

On the palate, this 2020 Bourgogne strikes an impressive balance between generous fruit and vibrant structure. Medium-bodied with remarkable purity and precision, the wine delivers concentrated citrus and orchard fruit flavors framed by bright, refreshing acidity. What distinguishes this bottling from most regional Burgundies is its impressive mid-palate density and textural finesse—qualities typically found in village-level wines from lesser producers.

The finish is surprisingly persistent for a wine at this price point, gradually transitioning from pure fruit to subtle mineral notes with remarkable clarity. A faint saline quality lingers, enhancing the wine's refreshing character and food-friendly profile.

Production Notes

Domaine de Montille's Bourgogne Chardonnay is sourced primarily from several parcels located in the Côte de Beaune, with vineyards situated just outside the boundaries of more prestigious appellations. The 2020 vintage in Burgundy was characterized by warm, dry conditions that produced wines with exceptional ripeness while maintaining reasonable acidity levels—ideal conditions for creating expressive, accessible white Burgundies at the regional level.

Under Étienne de Montille's leadership, all estate vineyards are farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles (Ecocert and Demeter certified). Even for this entry-level bottling, yields are carefully controlled, grapes are harvested by hand, and sorted rigorously. The winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention—whole cluster pressing, natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and minimal batonnage. Aging takes place over 10-12 months primarily in neutral French oak barrels (with less than 10% new oak) before bottling with minimal filtration.

Why We Love It

In an era of escalating Burgundy prices, the 2020 Bourgogne Chardonnay from de Montille represents a rare opportunity to experience the craftsmanship of one of the region's most respected producers at an accessible price point. This bottling clearly demonstrates why savvy Burgundy enthusiasts increasingly focus on regional-level wines from top producers in ripe vintages—they deliver remarkable quality-to-price ratio while remaining true to Burgundy's distinctive character.

What sets this wine apart from other Bourgogne-level offerings is the meticulous attention to detail applied throughout the production process—from biodynamic farming to careful barrel selection—resulting in a wine that drinks well above its humble appellation designation. For those seeking an authentic white Burgundy experience without premium pricing, or looking for a sophisticated daily drinker with genuine pedigree, this wine delivers exceptional value.

Perfect Pairings

The wine's balance of fruit purity, vibrant acidity, and subtle complexity makes it extremely versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with lighter fare such as roasted chicken, grilled fish with lemon, or fresh seafood. The wine's textural elements also allow it to complement richer dishes like lobster risotto or pasta with cream sauce. For casual entertaining, it makes an excellent accompaniment to artisanal cheeses, particularly young Comté or Chablis-style goat cheeses.

Technical Details

• Appellation: Bourgogne
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Alcohol: 13%
• Aging: 10-12 months primarily in neutral French oak (less than 10% new)
• Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic
• Optimal Drinking Window: 2023-2027
• Direct Import: Temperature-controlled shipping from Europe