Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gains Jean-Marc Pillot et Fils (Domaine) 2009

Taking over from his father Jean in 1991, Jean-Marc Pillot boosted his domaine: increasing the area, developing bottling and particularly increasing export sales. Jean-Marc Pillot has also distinguished himself by a great mastery of woody aromas (only 30% new barrels). Since 2005, élevage has been refined down to 6 to 8 months in stainless steel tanks, before natural stabilisation and final bottling.

Situated in the southern Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet shares with Puligny-Montrachet the distinction of producing some of the world’s finest Chardonnay wines. Perched at around 300 metres above sea level, the Les Champs Gains climat lies on the lower slopes leading towards Saint-Aubin. Its south-east-facing aspect provides generous sunshine tempered by cooler nights, preserving the wine’s natural freshness. The shallow, stony soils are predominantly limestone, interspersed with bands of white marl. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted in the vineyard. In the winery, fermentation begins spontaneously with native yeasts, without enriching or inoculation. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak casks, with 25% new wood. Lastly, the cuvée is bottled without fining or filtration.
The wine displays a pale, crystalline hue with silvery highlights. The refined, expressive bouquet combines aromas of citrus, white flowers, warm stone and fresh hazelnut, lifted by a distinctive chalky note. The palate is poised and precise, opening with vibrant freshness before revealing flavours of preserved lemon, flint and crisp pear.