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. Belland’s style is intensity without harshness – his wines of both colors are welcoming and smooth. But given time they often surprise with their complexity. Today we’re suggesting Belland’s flagship wine: the monopole Chassagne-Montrachet 1er cru “Clos Pitois” blanc from 2020.
First planted in 1421, the “Clos Pitois” is a monopole of the Belland family. Owning an entire vineyard is rare in Burgundy, and the Bellands treat it like a member of the family. Located in the clay-rich “Morgeot” sector of the appellation, the 2020 blanc is classic Chassagne — rich, mouthfilling, and gorgeous, pulsating with lively golden fruit.
As with the best of Belland’s whites, this combines an intense richness with linear focus. The 2020 shows more refinement than usual, with a sleek modern shape and limited oak. There is more minerality and stoniness mixed in with the fruit here, and the nose includes floral notes of white peach flower. Burghound found it “very rich, even opulent,” with “a lovely texture.”
In short, first-rate Premier Cru white Burgundy from an outstanding vintage – seriously impressive wine.
____________________________
Belland Chassagne-Montrachet
1er cru “Clos Pitois” 2020
bottle price: $112
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES