Puligny-Montrachet
Overview
Puligny-Montrachet is the epicenter of white Burgundy and arguably of Chardonnay worldwide. It shares the grand cru vineyard Montrachet with Chassagne-Montrachet and holds three other grand crus (Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet) entirely within its borders. The style is taut, mineral, and precise — less rich than Meursault, less broad than Chassagne, with a beautiful tension between fruit and acidity.
Key Producers
Grand Crus
- Montrachet — shared with Chassagne-Montrachet; the greatest dry white wine in the world, by many accounts
- Chevalier-Montrachet — above Montrachet on the slope; more raciness, longer aging
- Bâtard-Montrachet — below Montrachet; richer, more opulent; shared with Chassagne
- Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet — small parcel in Puligny; within Bâtard
Premier Crus (highlights)
Les Pucelles, Les Caillerets, Les Combettes, Les Folatières, Les Referts, Clavoillon, La Truffière.
Style Notes
The defining character of Puligny is mineral precision — citrus, white flowers, and a chalky tension. Less honeyed than Meursault, more linear. The best examples (Carillon, Leflaive, Sauzet) are among the world’s most age-worthy whites, capable of 20–30 years in the cellar.
Vintage Notes
- 2024: Jean-Michel Chartron reported roughly 75% of a normal crop — relatively generous by 2024 standards. Gilman visited Carillon and Chartron; whites described as excellent.
My Tastings
(none yet)
Sources
sources/articles/VFTC/VFTC Jan-Feb 2026 #121.pdf