Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet produce the world’s finest dry white wines. In production for nearly two thousand years, the vineyards surrounding these villages produce wines of different characters — Puligny a bit more serious, Chassagne a bit friendlier.
Today’s suggestion comes from Roger Belland, a fifth generation Burgundian winemaker. Last week we wrote about his terrific Puligny 1er cru. Today we’re introducing his Chassagne 1er cru. The Clos Pitois 2017 is classic Chassagne — rich, mouthfilling, and gorgeous, pulsating with lively golden fruit.
First planted in 1421, the “Clos Pitois” is a monopole of the Belland family. Owning an entire vineyard is rare in Burgundy, and in keeping with Chassagne’s tradition of excellent Pinot Noir Belland continues to plant it half red and half white.
But today we’re focused on the white. Like all of Belland’s 2017s, it combines an intense richness with linear focus. Burghound found it “exceptionally rich” with “enveloping flavors” of “yellow orchard fruit, melon, petrol, and citrus.”
The nose is explosive and opulent — we found lemons, spring flowers, butter, and honey — your nose will pick them up while the glass is still several inches away. On the palate it is long, rich, and vibrant, with notes of tropical fruits, hazelnut, and toast.
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Belland Chassagne-Montrachet
1er cru “Clos Pitois” 2017
bottle price: $79
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES
