Viniou Reviews
Etienne Sauzet’s Puligny-Montrachet 2022 is a prime example of the finesse attainable from Chardonnay in this iconic Burgundian appellation. The wine is born from meticulously tended vineyards characterised by limestone-rich soils, lending a notable minerality and tautness to the finished product. The 2022 vintage is remembered for its warm, sunny weather, yielding fruit of exceptional purity and balance, while careful vinification—typically involving gentle pressing and élevage in oak barrels (with a restrained percentage of new wood)—preserves both typicity and terroir expression. Expect a nose revealing citrus blossom, green apple and subtle notes of hazelnut, followed by a palate that’s simultaneously vibrant and elegantly textured. The finish is long, with echoes of white flowers and stony minerality.
Puligny-Montrachet lies at the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a region famed for producing some of the world's most sought-after white wines. The local terroir is defined by its marly limestone soils, excellent drainage, and favourable south-east exposures. The microclimate is relatively cool compared to neighbouring villages, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and steadily, preserving their bright acidity and complex aromatic profile. The region’s reputation rests on centuries of meticulous viticulture informed by monastic traditions, resulting in terroir-driven wines of great subtlety and ageing potential.
For food pairings, this Puligny-Montrachet excels alongside delicate seafood such as scallops, langoustine or turbot with beurre blanc. Poultry in creamy sauces, such as a classic Bresse chicken with morels, elevates the wine’s creamy textures and mineral backbone. For a regional touch, accompany it with friands au Comté or a warm gougère. Semi-matured cheeses like Comté or aged Chaource also find fine harmony with the wine’s vibrancy and depth.
To savour the full spectrum of aromas and texture, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally at 12-13°C. Decanting for 30 minutes prior to tasting can help the wine open up, especially in its youth. This bottle will impress now but also promises several years of graceful evolution in your cellar.
