AOC Monthelie wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

the village of Monthélie is located south of Volnay, more or less in the heart of the Côte de Beaune. Formerly owned by the Dukes of Burgundy and Cluny abbey, the appellation actually fits within quite a snug area. It sits on both sides of a coomb which is narrow to the north then opens up in the south. The appellation’s 140 ha are devoted primarily to red wines. Life focuses so intensely on wine growing here that according to a local saying, a chicken could die of starvation during the grape harvest. Climate sites classed as first growths: Les Riottes, Sur la Velle, Le Meix Bataille, Le Clos Gauthey, Les Vignes Rondes, Le Cas Rougeot, La Taupine, Les Champs Fulliot, Le Village, Le Château Gaillard, Les Duresses

Grape varieties: Vins rouges : pinot noir. Vins blancs secs : Chardonnay

The wines of this appellation

the reds exhibit an intense hue with purplish tints. They display aromas of red or black berries (cherry, bilberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant), prune, undergrowth, fern, mushrooms, violet, with a liquorice finish. They are robust, elegant, fresh wines in the early years with the potential to mature well. The first growths display more up-front tannins, imparting greater structure. Try with roast lamb, poultry served with a sauce, game birds, cheeses. A tiny proportion of the wines are white, which are relatively mellow with good acidity. Try them with quenelles or poached fish with melted butter.