Viniou Reviews
Château La Maltroye's Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru "Cuvée Clos Saint-Jean" 2021 is a distinguished red Burgundy, crafted from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the celebrated Clos Saint-Jean vineyard. The 2021 vintage was shaped by a cool spring and a summer marked by bursts of warmth, resulting in a wine of finesse and lively freshness. Traditional Burgundian vinification is employed, with careful hand harvesting, gentle extraction, and maturation in French oak barrels, imparting subtle spice and structure while preserving the delicate aromas and fruit purity of the Pinot Noir. The result is a wine with an elegant ruby hue, perfumed with notes of fresh red cherries, raspberries, rose petal, and a discreet touch of earth and oak.
Chassagne-Montrachet, part of the Côte de Beaune, is internationally renowned for producing some of the world's most refined white and red wines. While often associated with Chardonnay, its Premier Cru Pinot Noirs, such as this Clos Saint-Jean, reflect the unique terroir of stony limestone-clay soils and a favourable southeast-facing slope that promotes optimal ripening. The region benefits from a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, enabling the grapes to ripen slowly and develop nuanced complexity. The village has a rich winemaking heritage tracing back to the Middle Ages, contributing to its reputation for wines of depth and longevity.
For food pairings, this wine’s subtle body and refined tannins make it an excellent companion to dishes like roasted poultry (such as guinea fowl or chicken with morel mushrooms), duck breast with cherry sauce, or a classic Burgundian coq au vin. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, mushroom-based dishes, or simply matured cheeses from the region, such as Époisses or Comté.
To fully appreciate its bouquet and structure, serve this Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet at 16-17°C. Decanting for about thirty minutes before serving will help the wine to open up, revealing its full aromatic potential and silkiness on the palate. This bottle promises a rewarding experience both now and with further ageing.
