Monthelie 1er Cru Les Champs Fulliots AOC 2022

Wine description for Monthelie 1er Cru Les Champs Fulliots AOC 2022 from Rémi Jobard

In the rolling hills of Burgundy, where history and terroir form an inseparable bond, Rémi Jobard cultivates his vineyards with a dedication that goes back centuries. His Monthelie 1er Cru Les Champs Fulliots 2022 epitomises the silent revolution taking place in Burgundy - a return to authenticity that defies the uniformity of international taste.

The Jobards, whose winemaking roots can be traced back to the 16th century, practise a philosophy of respectful restraint. In a world often dominated by technological intervention, Rémi stands for the opposite: meticulous work in the vineyard, minimal intervention in the cellar - an approach that lets the wine speak, not the winemaker.

Visual impression

In the glass, the wine presents itself with a radiant, pale yellow colour with greenish reflections - crystal clear and with a luminosity reminiscent of the limestone soils of its homeland. The slowly flowing tears at the edge of the glass are a sign of its concentration and structure.

Nose

The aroma unfolds like a well-composed piece of music - initially restrained, then becoming increasingly complex. Fresh citrus fruits, particularly lemon zest and green apple, form the overture, followed by subtle notes of white flowers and a mineral component reminiscent of wet limestone after a summer rain. The careful ageing in wooden barrels - only one fifth new wood - is reflected in subtle hints of hazelnut and a fine spiciness that envelops the wine without dominating it.

Palate

The Chardonnay reveals remarkable precision on the palate. The moderate residual sweetness emphasises its dry, focused character. A lively acidity structure - the backbone of Burgundian white wines - gives it an unnerving tension that is preserved by the use of 600-litre Stockinger barrels. The wine glides over the tongue with a silky texture, revealing notes of white peach, lemon zest and a subtle chalkiness. The finish is long, precise and characterised by a fascinating salinity that authentically reflects the terroir of Monthelie.

The two-year barrel ageing without filtration - a risk that few take - gives this 2022 a natural stability and complexity that is rarely found in younger wines. At 13.0% alcohol, it retains an elegant balance that is neither too light nor too heavy - an example of Burgundian finesse.

General information

Despite climatic challenges, the 2022 vintage in Burgundy produced wines of remarkable freshness and precision. The premier cru vineyard Les Champs Fulliots in Monthelie - often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours Meursault and Volnay - with its chalky soil offers ideal conditions for characterful Chardonnays that possess both depth and elegance.

Rémi's decision to increase the use of larger barrels is part of a wider movement in Burgundy to preserve the purity of the terroir. As he himself states: 'As a result, the wines remain "lean and mineral" - a counter to the opulent, wood-accentuated styles that dominated the international market for years.

Food pairing suggestions

This Monthelie calls for dishes that respect its complexity without overshadowing it. Poached lobster with Lemon and butter sauce would elegantly complement the mineral structure of the wine. Also harmonise Sweetbreads with Morels or a classic Coq au Vin blanc with its delicate acidity structure. For a simpler, but no less convincing combination, we recommend a Comté aged for at least 24 months, whose nutty complexity wonderfully emphasises the wine's subtle woody notes.

This wine is a contemporary witness - both to the centuries-old tradition of the Jobard family and to a moment in Burgundy when winemakers like Rémi have the courage to swim against the tide and produce wines that raise more questions than answers. It is proof that true elegance lies not in opulence but in precision.