Bâtard-Montrachet

France · AOC · Burgundy

Styles

Natural factors

Vineyard on the Côte de Beaune, a tectonic escarpment oriented NE/SW separating limestone plateaus (400–500 m) from the Bresse plain (~200 m).
Plots on the lower part of the slope, facing east/southeast, at ~250 m elevation, on flaggy Middle Jurassic (Callovian) limestones. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Clay soils derived from irregular colluvial deposits, with few stones; the murgers (stone-clearance piles) attest to the shallow depth of the clay layer. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Climate with a cool oceanic tendency (~750 mm/year, annual mean 10.5 °C), tempered by continental and southerly influences channelled along the Rhône–Saône axis.
The Côte benefits from climatic shelter to the east of the Morvan: a notable thermal advantage and rainfall deficit favourable to viticulture.

Human factors

Single variety Chardonnay B, vine density >9,000 vines/ha; barrel ageing is employed for its contribution to cellaring potential depending on the vintage.
AOC recognised in 1937, with the effective plot-level delimitation established in 1939, following a 1921 court ruling that fixed the hierarchy of the grands crus. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

Product characteristics

Golden-yellow appearance, aromas of hazelnut, honey and floral notes, an unctuous texture and a long finish.
Excellent ageing potential: develops favourably over many years, with a minimum of 10–15 years.

Terroir / wine link

Clay soils combined with well-draining flaggy limestone contribute to the wine's roundness and consistency; Chardonnay expresses 'finesse and elegance' here under a cool climate. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.