AOC Puligny-montrachet

Puligny-Montrachet is a village appellation in the Côte de Beaune, devoted almost entirely to white wine. The village first appears in the written record in 1094, when its church was given to Cluny Abbey.

Nearly Half the Vineyard Ranked Premier Cru

In 2022, nearly 96 of the roughly 205 hectares in production (237 of 507 acres) were ranked premier cru. These vines are spread across 17 climats and yielded an average of just over 4,000 hectoliters a year from 2017 to 2021, more than 40% of the white wine harvest.

The appellation’s vines face the rising sun, between 230 and 320 meters (750 to 1,050 feet). The premiers crus sit on the slopes with limestone bedrock, in thin soils that drain well thanks to the incline and enjoy wide exposure to the sun.

The list of these premiers crus was drawn up in 1943. It largely follows the sites singled out in the 19th century by a Beaune district committee, which had graded the village’s fine-wine vineyards.

The village’s four grands crus, in the middle of the slope, take a different path: each is a separate appellation that stands outside the Puligny-Montrachet AOC.

History of the AOC Puligny-Montrachet

The AOC Puligny-Montrachet is one of the most prestigious appellations in the world of fine white wines from Burgundy. Deeply rooted in the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, its origins date back to Roman times. However, it was during the Middle Ages that the viticultural identity of Puligny-Montrachet took shape, thanks in part to the influence of the monks. Its heritage is preserved through a tradition that perpetuates exceptional expertise, making this appellation a reference for fine white wines from Burgundy worldwide.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Puligny-Montrachet

Climate: Puligny-Montrachet benefits from a cool oceanic climate with continental influences, cold winters and hot summers, tempered by the proximity of the Côte d'Or.

Soils: The limestone and marl soils, rich in limestone stones, impart a distinctive minerality to the wines of the appellation.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: Emblematic Grape Varieties of AOC Puligny-Montrachet

Chardonnay is undoubtedly the flagship white grape variety of Burgundy. It is indeed almost the only grape variety used for the white wines of the AOC Puligny-Montrachet appellation, where it expresses itself with exceptional elegance and complexity. Although less common than whites, the red wines of AOC Puligny-Montrachet showcase Pinot Noir with great finesse.

Style of AOC Puligny-Montrachet Wines

White Wine: Pale gold color with green reflections evolving into golden hues with age. Complex bouquet blending aromas of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia, fern), almond, hazelnut, and sometimes honey, enhanced by a chalky minerality. The palate is typically straight and precise, evolving into a full and rich structure, supported by refreshing acidity and a remarkable length that reveals toasted and mineral notes. Puligny-Montrachet whites have excellent aging potential (5 to 15 years).

Red Wine: Bright purple-red color. The nose evokes red and black fruits (raspberry, cherry, blackberry), leather, musk, and spices. The palate is usually soft and fruity with great finesse and minerality.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Puligny-Montrachet Wines

Here are some suggestions to enhance your tasting experience with a white or red wine from Burgundy from an estate or château in the AOC Puligny-Montrachet:

White Wine: lobster or spiny lobster, risotto with scallops, Bresse chicken with cream and morels.

Red Wine: pork tenderloin with prunes, beef bourguignon.

Puligny-Montrachet: Pronunciation, Red Wine and Grapes

How do you pronounce Puligny-Montrachet?

Puligny-Montrachet is pronounced “poo-lee-nyee mohn-rah-shay”: the “t” after “Mon” is silent, and so is the final one. INAO, the French body that oversees appellations, even spells it “Mon-rachet” to guide readers.

How much red Puligny-Montrachet is there?

Red Puligny-Montrachet is a tiny share of the appellation: in 2022 it covered 0.42 hectare (about 1 acre) of nearly 205 hectares (507 acres) in production. Made from Pinot Noir, it averaged 19 hectoliters a year from 2017 to 2021, about 2,500 bottles. It may also be sold as Côte de Beaune-Villages.

Which grapes can go into white Puligny-Montrachet?

White Puligny-Montrachet may be made from two grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. In practice, Chardonnay accounts for nearly all of the appellation’s whites, and Pinot Blanc remains rare.

Where can you buy Puligny-Montrachet direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Puligny-Montrachet direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Each bottle is shipped by the producer who made it, with no middleman.

See also: AOC Meursault - AOC Santenay - AOC Monthélie