Wines Puligny-Montrachet Joseph Drouhin - Clos de la Garenne - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet "Clos de la Garenne" 2016 is a notable white Burgundy, made exclusively from Chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety of this region. Produced from a single vineyard, the "Clos de la Garenne" site is renowned for its finesse and subtlety. 2016 was a challenging vintage in Burgundy due to spring frost, but thanks to careful vineyard management, the surviving grapes were of high quality, leading to concentrated wines with vibrant acidity. Joseph Drouhin is one of Burgundy's most respected domaines, known for its meticulous attention to terroir expression and traditional vinification practices. The wine is typically fermented and aged in oak barrels, a portion of which are new, lending it a refined structure and gentle complexity without masking the purity of the fruit. Expect a wine of crystalline clarity, with aromas of white flowers, citrus peel, hazelnut, and a subtle mineral salinity that is the hallmark of Puligny-Montrachet.

Puligny-Montrachet sits in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a subregion of Burgundy celebrated for producing some of the world’s greatest Chardonnay. The soils here are predominantly limestone mixed with marl, which provide perfect drainage and imbue the wines with their hallmark tension and minerality. The microclimate is temperate with cool nights, allowing slow, complete ripening of the grapes and preservation of acidity. The history of viticulture in Puligny-Montrachet dates back to the Middle Ages, with many vineyards—like "Clos de la Garenne"—enjoying an exceptional pedigree.

Given the wine’s elegance and precision, food pairings should complement its delicate texture and noble structure. Classic matches include fine shellfish such as lobster or scallops, poached or prepared with a light butter sauce. Poultry in cream, blanquette of veal, or regional dishes such as pike in a beurre blanc are also excellent choices. Mature hard cheeses like Comté make a lovely pairing, enhancing the wine’s subtle nuttiness.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine at 10-12°C. This temperature will allow the nuances of fruit, floral notes, and minerality to fully express themselves. Consider decanting for 20-30 minutes if the wine is young, to help the aromas open up and reveal their complexity.