A small growers’ cooperative near Montagny in the Côte Chalonnaise of southern Burgundy has turned outto be a pleasant surprise, the reward for a long day spent knocking about in the Chalonnaise. Indeed, this group of thirty small growers can turn out wines that compete with many of the more renowned names inBurgundy with their exemplary Côte Chalonnaise offerings. Most notable among these wines is their superlative Bourgogne Blanc “Cuvée Réserve,” which comes from Chardonnay vineyards on the plains below the village of Montagny. They also make a small amount of Montagny 1er Cru Blanc, that retains the lively acidity typical of the region’s wines with a bit more richness and complexity. The Montagny 1er Cru comes from a small 5-hectare plot. The 100% Chardonnay grapes are hand harvested and then undergo a cold maceration followed by natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel. The wines is then aged one year in 2-5 year old French oak barrels.

The nose is dominated by floral notes which gradually evolve towards honey, driedfruits and hazelnut. It has a beautiful fullness, as well as complexity and minerality from the terroir. It is awine with very good aging potential, from 5-10 years.