Wines Puligny-Montrachet Maison Roche de Bellene - Les Folatières - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Maison Roche de Bellene’s Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru “Les Folatières” 2015 is a distinguished white Burgundy, crafted entirely from Chardonnay grapes. The 2015 vintage in Burgundy was notable for its generous sunshine and early harvest, resulting in wines of both richness and freshness. Sourced from the renowned Folatières Premier Cru vineyard, this cuvée benefits from a terroir of limestone and clay soils, situated at an ideal mid-slope elevation. The wine is typically fermented and aged in French oak barrels—often with a restrained use of new oak to enhance complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit—producing a blend that expresses both elegance and depth.

Puligny-Montrachet, one of the jewels of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, is revered for its grand terroirs dedicated almost exclusively to white wines. The climate here is continental, marked by marked seasonal differences, which allows Chardonnay to reach optimal ripeness while maintaining its hallmark acidity. The mineral-rich, well-draining soils imbue the wines with a unique tension and finesse. The commune’s centuries-long viticultural heritage contributes to the precise and refined style so emblematic of its white wines.

This Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru pairs exquisitely with refined dishes. Its layered aromas of white flowers, ripe stone fruits, subtle citrus, and hints of hazelnut make it a match for delicacies such as butter-poached lobster, grilled turbot, or poultry in a delicate cream sauce. For a regional touch, try it with a classic quenelle de brochet (pike dumplings) or Bresse chicken with morel mushrooms and vin jaune. Soft, creamy cheeses—such as Brillat-Savarin or Chaource—also highlight its supple texture and minerality.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this wine slightly cool but not overly chilled, ideally between 11-13°C. This allows the wine’s nuanced aromatics and rich palate to fully express themselves, offering the utmost pleasure to the discerning palate. Decanting for 15-30 minutes may further enhance the complexity of this lovingly crafted wine.