We have recently received some Didier MONTCHOVET wines from Burgundy in Nantoux. Coming from a winemaking family, Didier Montchovet started making his own wines in 1984, starting his winery with 0.5 hectares. He already had strong beliefs in respecting the environment while making wine and used biodynamic methods in his vineyard and winemaking which has been certified biodynamic since 1984. Considered one of the pioneers in the area (literaly, it was the first biodynamic certified estate in Burgundy) Didier knew he wanted to work embracing the local terroirs in a cohesive work environment. With patience, Didier was able to lease more vineyards, an additional 2.5 hectares with a further cellar and vat room. His wife Joelle, came on board to help and they now farm 12 hectares, mainly in the Hautes Cotes de Beaune, with vineyards near Bouze les Beaune (North-West of Beaune). A great amount of work over the years allowed them to own two distinctive plots of vines - "En Gras" and "En Bignon". Their vineyard is a picture of biodiversity at its best, you can see lots of fruits trees & bushes, allowing a varied and established ecosystem. As pictured above, during our last visit to the winery in March 2019 you quickly understand that Didier follows a different path in his vineyard and in his cellar. While we were visiting his vines, we could see some of his parcels in Hautes Cotes de Beaune where the vines are worked using the 'Y' shape - Lyre trellis system. Didier believes there to be benefits for his vines using this method, allowing better air ventilation between the vines and grapes minimising the likelihood of disease (especially for the mildew, which travels through the soil), but also allowing the best photosynthesis of the fruits. There is also other work done that shows their passion of viticulture, for example they've turned into 'jachere' (= fallow) for 2 years their new vineyard before planting, in order to rest the soil before another vine plantation, and they allow a space between each row of 2 meters. Even the fertiliser used in the vineyard is produced by the couple's livestock minimising their carbon footprint. It shows the high standards that the Domaine is wanting to pursue, and the result is clearly shown in the wines; purity - elegance - concentration - freshness. We are lucky to have been able to procure a collection of vintages, ranging from the 2014 cold vintage, to 2015 considered exceptional to burgundy drinkers as the fruit ripeness was great, to 2017 a cold vintage with sunny hot summer days allowing a optimum slow ripening. ** full range below**
WINES
2017 - AOC BOURGOGNE ROUGE $48
Hand harvested, the grapes are left to ferment in concentre tanks, then transferred to old oak barrels for ageing for 6 months, back to tanks for the final blend, before being bottled. Lightly filtered, small S02 added. This Bourgogne rouge is bright and elegant, fragrant with delicate and complex aromas of rose petal and red fruits and soft tannins.
2018 - AOC HAUTES COTES DE BEAUNE BLANC $58
Vines planted in 1970 and 1990 - the grapes are hand harvested in end of September for a full ripeness, transported to their cellar, added small amount of sulphur, destemmed by hand then gently pressed, transferred to oak barrels. Aged for 12 months on fine lees, bottled adding a small amount of sulphur and a small filtration. The wine has a beautiful light yellow colour, notes of citrus and lemon zest, freshly baked brioche, buttery wet stones, white truffle and spices from the oak ageing.
2018 - AOC HAUTES COTES DE BEAUNE ROUGE $58
Vines planted in 1950 and 1990, 4km from Pommard, on clay and limestone. Hand harvested, fermented for 28 days in wooden vats. Aged in oak for 12 months with 10% new barrels. Clean delicate nose of red fruits, concentrated and generous on the palate with some juicy acidity. The barrel ageing softens the wine, showing some refined tannins.
2017 - AOC VOLNAY $132
Traditional low vines plantings, planted on clay-limestone soils, planted in 1964. Hand harvested the grapes are left for a long and gentle fermented, transferred then to barrels for a long ageing of 18 months, bottled by gravity very little S02 added. A most elegant Pinot Noir with the finesse. Delicate aromas of red berries give way to a silky texture and round ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberry with smooth tannins.
2014 - AOC BEAUNE 1er CRU "Aux Coucherias" $128
Biodynamically farmed, Pinot Noir vines planted in 1960, south facing vineyard. Planted on Clay-limestone soils. Hand harvested, the grapes are left for long and gentle fermentation, then transferred to age in oak barrels for 12 months, with 10% new oak barrels. Wine for cellaring that allies finesse and strong structure, to be aged for ten years or more in cellar. With Elaborate dishes of meats in rich sauces or with cheese.
