Bouchard Père et Fils Monthelie Les Duresses
WHY WE LOVE IT
- At Monthelie – pronounced “Monthlie” – the first traces of vineyards date back to the 9th century.
- The “Climat” “Les Duresses” spreads over the villages of Auxey Duresses where it is the prize vineyard, and the village of Monthelie, where it is one of the most remarkable Premiers Crus.
- The 1.72 hectares of the Bouchard Pere et Fils estate, with limestone, clay, marly and gravelly soil, is often harvested a little later than the other vineyards of Monthelie, produce rich wines.
- The aging potential of this wine is 7 years or more. Serve between 17°C to l 8°C.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Manual harvesting, in small cases of 13 kg. Careful manual sorting of each grape. Following total or partial destemming on the vintage, fermentation in small containers, gentle pressing ensure optimal vinification. Depending on the profile of the vintage, vatting lasts 15 to 18 days. Matured for 12 to 14 months in French oak, with 35 to 35% new oak. The cellars of the Bastions of the ancient Chateau de Beaune offer natural ambient conditions that are perfectly adapted to ageing the Premiers Crus.
Tasting Notes: Rich, varied aromas of berry fruit on the nose. On the palate, a charming ensemble with both structure and roundness. Good ageing potential.
PRESS
2019 – 90-92 Wine Advocate | 90 Wine Spectator
2018 – 90-92 Wine Advocate | 90-92 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 1731, Maison Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s oldest wine merchant houses. Over the centuries, the House has been devoted to acquiring highly renowned parcels, in order to build a prestigious domaine: 130 hectares of Crus. The famed vineyards include: Beaune Grèves Vigne de L’Enfant Jésus, Chevalier-Montrachet, Montrachet, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Bonnes-Mares and Clos Vougeot to name a few. In 1995 this exceptional collection was purchased by Joseph Henriot, and is today part of Maisons & Domaines Henriot. Maison Bouchard Père & Fils has invested in the vine to bottle, the process is handled with meticulous care, to ensure the most faithful expression of each terroir. Installed since the beginning of the 19th century on the site of the ancient Châteaude Beaune, Maison Bouchard Père & Fils uses the underground galleries and bastions of this fortress built by LuisXI, 10 meters below ground, for the slow maturing of its wines under optimal conditions. Millions of bottles, including a rare collection of pre-phylloxera wines rest in the cellars today protected by 7 meter thick walls.