Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru, Les Chalumeaux Kosher, Domaine De Montille, 2020 – 300cl

Domaine de Montille wanted their first kosher wines to set a new benchmark so chose prestigious, discrete-sized premier cru sites that are picked at around the same time and usually early which is a bonus in a forward vintage like 2020.

The cuvees have not needed acidification or chaptalisation either and both reds are 100% whole cluster so minimal intervention is required to ensure quality. To ensure the barrels are kosher, they are filled up three times with water, left for 24-hrs each time and emptied, then refilled with fresh water and rinsed. The barrels are then inspected and approved. This process necessarily begins four days prior to harvest.

The domaine’s wines are known for their great aromatic purity. They always favour balance and elegance over power and extraction. The wines are classic expressions of Burgundy, of their appellations in general and of their specific terroirs in particular. The farming methods they use contribute to this individual style, and their winemaking methods aim to avoid excessive outside influences in order to bring out the equilibrium that can be found naturally in Burgundian terroir.

The Domaine has practiced organic viticulture since 1995. Today, their wines are certified by Ecocert. Additionally, since 2005, biodynamic practices have been implemented.

A “chalumeau” is a medieval wind instrument, it can be seen on tapestries at the Hospices de Beaune.

“Bright, crunchy orchard fruits, yellow apple and green pear plus cinnamon dusted galia melon. Lovely intensity and great acidity on the palate which is beautiful soft, sweet and herbal. Fruit profile is creamy pears, apple and even a touch of white peach. Succulent, with a fine finish, this is already gorgeous but will develop more depth and texture with a few year’s cellaring.”

Tom Harrow, Honest Grapes Wine Director