Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet

France · AOC (PDO) · Burgundy

Styles

Natural factors

The plots are located on a small, gently sloping hillside with a southerly aspect, at an altitude of 240 metres, entirely within the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet.
The bedrock consists of flaggy Middle Jurassic limestones (Callovian), concealed beneath a thin layer of clayey colluvium rich in limestone pebbles.
The name 'Criots', derived from a Celtic root referring to rock, explicitly alludes to the abundant presence of stones in the soil of the plots.
The climate is dominated by a cool oceanic tendency, moderated by continental or southerly influences channelled along the Rhône–Saône corridor, with approximately 750 millimetres of rainfall per year and a mean annual temperature of 10.5 °C.
The Côte benefits from a sheltered microclimate linked to its position east of the Morvan massif, resulting in a notable thermal advantage and a significant rainfall deficit relative to the rest of the region.

Human factors

The name 'Montrachet' appears as early as the thirteenth century at the lieu-dit 'Mont Rachaz', and a court ruling of 1921 established the hierarchy of the grands crus before official recognition was granted in 1939.
The vines are trained at a density exceeding 9,000 plants per hectare, with an encépagement based solely on Chardonnay, the wines subsequently being aged for their capacity to develop with bottle time.

Product characteristics

The white wines display a golden-yellow colour and aromas of hazelnut and honey interwoven with floral notes, with a particularly long aromatic finish.
These wines are distinguished by a notable ageing potential, developing favourably over many years, with a minimum cellaring potential of 10 to 15 years.

Terroir / wine link

The stony soils over flaggy limestone ensure effective drainage, which contributes to the freshness and vivacity of the wines.

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