Château de la Maltroye Chassagne-Montrachet Village Rouge 2022

Winery Background and History

Château de la Maltroye, located in the heart of Chassagne-Montrachet in Burgundy, France, is a historic estate known for its exceptional wines. The château itself dates back to the 18th century and is easily recognizable by its glazed tile roof. Since 1939, it has been a family-owned property, with Jean-Pierre Cournut currently at the helm. Under his guidance, the estate has gained a reputation for producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Chassagne-Montrachet, combining traditional methods with modern precision.

Producer and Winemaker

Jean-Pierre Cournut, an engineer by training, brings meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard management and winemaking. He emphasizes sustainable farming practices and manual harvesting to ensure the highest quality grapes. In the cellar, Cournut employs traditional Burgundian techniques, including fermentation in oak barrels and careful aging on fine lees, to craft wines that are both expressive and elegant.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The vineyards of Château de la Maltroye span over 32 acres in Chassagne-Montrachet and 5 acres in Santenay. The Chassagne-Montrachet Village Rouge is sourced from parcels with clay-limestone soils, providing excellent drainage and mineral richness. The region’s continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters, allows for optimal ripening of Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and depth.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, followed by aging for 12 to 14 months, with approximately 20% new oak employed. This process imparts subtle oak nuances while preserving the wine’s fruit character and enhancing its complexity.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet Village Rouge presents a peppery and earthy nose, complemented by aromas of red and dark currants. On the palate, it offers vibrant, delicious, and nicely textured medium-weight flavors, with a caressing mouthfeel that contrasts with a mildly rustic and warm finale. The wine’s firm structure suggests it will benefit from several years of aging. 

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 Chassagne-Montrachet Village Rouge possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully for 5–8 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%