Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embrazées AOC 2023

Wine description for Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embrazées AOC 2023 by Thomas Morey

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with a distinctly green hue – a sign of the youthful freshness of this Premier Cru.

Nose

A fascinating interplay between ripeness and coolness characterises the aromatics. Carambola, lemons, greengage plums and pineapple meet buds and white flowers. The green fruit stands out more prominently than in the neighbouring Baudines, accompanied by a fine, elegant reduction that lends the wine additional depth.

Palate

Ripe, juicy and seductive on the palate. The yellow fruit is sensual and slightly creamy with subtle extract sweetness. At the same time, a peppery, crisply mineral Chardonnay reveals itself with impressive tension. The full development and expansion can only be hinted at for now – this wine harbours enormous potential.

Finish

Persistently mineral with fine salinity and vibrant freshness, which will need many more years to reveal its full complexity.

Terroir & Origin

Les Embrazées lies on the southern side of Chassagne-Montrachet, directly bordering Santenay and below Les Baudines. The reddish and sparse soil shapes a richer wine style than in higher-altitude vineyard sites – a classic example of how terroir moulds character.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, fermented with indigenous yeasts in a combination of neutral barrel and tank. Malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously, the wine matures on its lees without bâtonnage. Around 20% new oak provides subtle structure. Particularly noteworthy: minimal sulphur addition only in the last six months, never exceeding 35 mg/l – a commitment to purity and precision.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Lobster in butter, pan-fried scallops, turbot with morel sauce, poultry in cream sauce or aged Comté. The wine pairs well with rich textures and complex preparations.

Special Features

This is the Premier Cru from Thomas Morey’s 2023 collection that requires the most time to develop, but also possesses the greatest ageing potential. The crown jewel of an excellent white vintage – a wine for the patient.