Château de la Maltroye Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge 1er Cru Clos du Château Monopole 2022

Winery Background and History

Château de la Maltroye, located in Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, is a historic estate dating back to the 18th century. The château itself is a modern structure situated in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet. The estate is renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. With a focus on both red and white wines, Château de la Maltroye has established itself as a prominent producer in the Côte de Beaune.

Producer and Winemaker

Jean-Pierre Cournut is the proprietor and winemaker at Château de la Maltroye. Under his guidance, the estate has embraced sustainable viticulture practices, including mechanical soil cultivation and manual harvesting. Cournut’s approach emphasizes the expression of terroir, with meticulous attention to vineyard management and winemaking techniques. His dedication has resulted in wines that are both expressive and reflective of their origin.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The “Clos du Château” is a Premier Cru monopole vineyard owned exclusively by Château de la Maltroye. Situated in Chassagne-Montrachet, this vineyard benefits from a favorable microclimate and limestone-rich soils. The combination of soil composition and climate contributes to the wine’s minerality and complexity. The vineyard’s unique position allows for optimal sun exposure, aiding in the ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are harvested and sorted manually to ensure the highest quality fruit. The winemaking process includes fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels. The use of oak is carefully managed to enhance the wine’s structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit characteristics. This approach allows the wine to develop depth and elegance over time.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 vintage presents a ripe yet fresh nose, blending notes of spice, pepper, and earth with red currant and plum. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with evident minerality, offering a textured and lingering finish. The structure is notable, suggesting excellent development potential. This wine exemplifies the balance and finesse characteristic of Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet reds.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted duck, veal, and game birds. Its elegance complements dishes like coq au vin, mushroom risotto, and grilled salmon. The wine’s acidity and tannic structure also make it a suitable match for aged cheeses, such as Comté or Brie de Meaux.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture, serve this wine at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full bouquet and flavor profile. Use large Burgundy glasses to enhance the tasting experience, as they allow the wine’s aromas to concentrate and its flavors to unfold gracefully.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2022 Clos du Château Monopole possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully for 8–12 years. Proper cellaring conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent temperature—will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and depth over time. As it matures, expect the emergence of tertiary aromas such as truffle, forest floor, and dried fruit, adding to its allure and sophistication.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

• 13.0%

Scores

• Burghound (Allen Meadows): 92+