Wines Chassagne-Montrachet Domaine Marc Morey - En Virondot - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Marc Morey’s 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru “En Virondot” is an outstanding white Burgundy crafted from 100% Chardonnay. This particular cuvée hails from a single vineyard, “En Virondot”, one of the highest and coolest lieux-dits within the Chassagne appellation, lending the wine both elegance and distinctive minerality. The 2019 vintage was characterised by a warm, dry growing season, resulting in healthy, ripe fruit with impressive concentration while retaining the nervy acidity so prized in fine white Burgundy. Vinification at Domaine Marc Morey combines traditional techniques—gentle pressing, fermentation in oak barrels (around 25-30% new), and subtle bâtonnage—to enhance texture, complexity and aromatic development. The final wine impresses with notes of citrus blossom, white peach, toasted hazelnut, and a distinctive chalky undercurrent, finishing with splendid tension and length.

Chassagne-Montrachet is one of the jewels of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Chardonnays. The region’s soils are particularly calcareous, varying from stony marl to lighter, rockier limestone on the upper slopes, as in En Virondot’s elevated position. This, combined with a temperate continental climate, gives wines remarkable finesse and an unmistakable mineral signature. Chassagne has a fascinating history; once better known for Pinot Noir, it has gained international acclaim for its whites, particularly in the premier and grand cru sectors, where tradition and innovation coalesce.

For food pairing, this Premier Cru showcases superb versatility. Its lively freshness and rich texture pair beautifully with lobster or crab, scallops in beurre blanc, or seared turbot. Classic Burgundian dishes like poultry in creamy morel sauce or a delicate quenelle of pike work harmoniously. Alternatively, a simple Comté or mature Gruyère allows the wine’s depth and structure to shine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chassagne-Montrachet at 11-13°C, ideally in a fine-bowled white wine glass, and give it a few minutes to open up in the glass or decanter. It can be enjoyed now for its vibrancy or cellared for 5-8 years, allowing further complexity and nuance to develop.