This Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2023 from P. & L. Borgeot is a classic expression of Burgundy’s prestigious white wines. Crafted from old vine Chardonnay, this cuvée reflects the depth and minerality for which Puligny-Montrachet is celebrated. The 2023 vintage, shaped by a relatively balanced growing season, is already noted for its expressive aromas and freshness. In the cellar, careful vinification emphasises finesse, with fermentations often carried out in French oak barrels, adding subtle notes of toast and spice while preserving the bright, citrus-driven fruit and hallmark mineral tension. These old vines impart particular concentration and a certain creamy texture, distinguishing this wine with both elegance and complexity.
Puligny-Montrachet lies at the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a region famed for some of the world’s greatest white wines. The vineyard slopes are underpinned by limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage, which, together with the region’s temperate continental climate, encourage both bright acidity and aromatic delicacy. The historical reputation of Puligny-Montrachet is built on centuries of vine cultivation, with meticulous attention to terroir. Wines from this appellation are renowned for their poised structure, their purity of fruit, and their unique stony salinity, the result of the distinctive soils and microclimates of the area.
For food pairings, this Puligny-Montrachet excels alongside refined seafood such as scallops with beurre blanc, lobster, or grilled turbot, where the wine’s natural acidity and minerality enhance the flavours of the dish. Poultry in creamy mushroom sauces, roast chicken with tarragon, or even a classic cheese soufflé also provide harmonious matches. For a regional pairing, consider a Burgundian specialty like pike quenelles with a delicate white wine sauce.
Serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Pour into a generously sized glass to allow full expression of its bouquet. Decanting is rarely necessary, but giving it a little time in the glass will help the wine’s complexity unfold. Enjoy within the next five to seven years while its freshness and vibrancy are at their best.
