2015 Chassagne-Montrachet, La Grande Montagne, 1er Cru, DomaineFontaine-Gagnard, Burgundy
Critics reviews
Neal Martin - 28/12/2016
About this WINE
Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard
Richard Fontaine is married to Laurence, daughter of Jacques Gagnard. The have now been joined by their daughter Céline. They have ten hectares in all with the usual, for Chassagne, extensive range of premiers crus (Bois de Chassagne, La Boudriotte, En Cailleret, les Chenevottes, Clos de Murées monopole, Clos St-Jean, La Maltroie, Morgeot, La Romanée and Les Vergers in white, Morgeot and Clos St-Jean in red). There are futher reds such as Volnay Clos des Chênes and Pommard Les Rugiens, but the jewels in the crown are small holdings of grand cru white Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet (0.33 hectare), Bâtard-Montrachet (0.30 hectare) and Le Montrachet (0.08 hectare).
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is often seen as the king of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world It is suited to a wide variety of soils, though it excels in soils with a high limestone content as found in Champagne, Chablis, and the Côte D`Or.
Burgundy is Chardonnay's spiritual home and the best White Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. They are unquestionably the finest dry white wines in the world. Chardonnay plays a crucial role in the Champagne blend, providing structure and finesse, and is the sole grape in Blanc de Blancs.
It is quantitatively important in California and Australia, is widely planted in Chile and South Africa, and is the second most widely planted grape in New Zealand. In warm climates Chardonnay has a tendency to develop very high sugar levels during the final stages of ripening and this can occur at the expense of acidity. Late picking is a common problem and can result in blowsy and flabby wines that lack structure and definition.
Recently in the New World, we have seen a move towards more elegant, better- balanced and less oak-driven Chardonnays, and this is to be welcomed.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
The 2015 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Grands Montagne suffered less frost damage in 2016 because of its proximity to the trees, however it suffered a little burning of the grapes in the 2015 vintage due to the stones reflecting the heat. The nose is gentle at first, unfolding with light waxy, resinous aromas. The palate is nicely balanced with good acidity, though perhaps the Clos des Mures has more complexity and tension, more personality towards the finish. Not bad, although the domaine made better this year.
Neal Martin - 28/12/2016
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee