Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru „Les Bondues“ AOC 2022

Wine description for Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru „Les Bondues“ AOC 2022 by Darviot-Perrin

Character

A remarkable rarity from Chassagne-Montrachet: whilst the appellation is primarily renowned for its great white wines, this Pinot Noir from the Premier Cru vineyard site Les Bondues showcases the underestimated red side of the terroir. Darviot-Perrin cultivates a classically Burgundian style with finesse and precision, bringing the mineral complexity of the calcareous soils to the fore. The 2022 vintage, following a challenging year, produced wines of gratifying clarity and vibrancy.

Terroir & Origin

Les Bondues lies at the southern edge of Chassagne-Montrachet, where calcareous soils are interspersed with iron-rich marl – a soil composition that lends the Pinot Noir a distinctive tension between fruit and minerality. The vineyard site benefits from good sun exposure whilst enjoying cooling influences, producing elegant, less opulent red wines. Domaine Darviot-Perrin manages its parcels with great respect for Burgundian tradition, employing low yields and selective hand harvesting.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir from Chassagne-Montrachet typically displays a different character than the red wines from the more northerly communes of the Côte de Beaune: less powerful, yet marked by pronounced minerality and a certain saline note. The Darviot-Perrin family vinifies traditionally with a proportion of whole-bunch fermentation, moderate extraction and maturation in French oak barrels with restrained new oak influence. The result is wines of transparency and drinkability that prioritise origin over power.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This elegant Pinot Noir harmonises beautifully with veal medallions, Coq au Vin or roasted squab. It also proves an ideal companion to mushroom dishes, aged Comté or Époisses. The mineral structure makes it intriguing with tuna steak or salmon with lentils.