Wines Chassagne-Montrachet Domaine Marc Colin et Fils - Les Encégnières - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils, with its 2015 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Encégnières, presents a stunning example of what the Côte de Beaune can achieve with Chardonnay. This wine hails from a renowned single vineyard, Les Encégnières, which is prized for producing expressive and nuanced white Burgundies. The 2015 vintage, marked by ample sunshine and optimal ripening conditions, yielded wines of remarkable concentration yet preserved freshness. The vinification here typically favours gentle extraction and ageing in oak barrels, often with a judicious amount of new wood, allowing the Chardonnay to fully display its aromatic complexity—think white flower and citrus blossom aromas, mingled with stone fruits and a delicate touch of toasted hazelnut and mineral undertones. Texture is generous but refined, with harmonious balance between fruit and acidity, supported by a subtle, creamy finish.

Chassagne-Montrachet, nestled within Burgundy's illustrious Côte de Beaune, is celebrated for its limestone-rich soils and relatively cool, temperate climate, both crucial for Chardonnay's slow, nuanced maturation. Winemaking history here stretches back centuries, with generations perfecting the art of turning terroir-driven grapes into world-class wines. The soils in Les Encégnières, a lieux-dit at the base of the slope, combine clay and limestone, contributing both power and finesse. This, alongside the climatic conditions, gives these wines their signature structure and elegant minerality.

For pairing, this Chassagne-Montrachet shines alongside refined seafood dishes such as pan-seared scallops, grilled turbot, or lobster thermidor. It also complements poultry in creamy sauces, like a classic Bresse chicken with morels, or regional specialties such as escargots de Bourgogne. The wine's richness and subtle oak influence suit earthy mushrooms, roasted root vegetables, or a delicate veal blanquette.

To best appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally at 11-13°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help reveal its layers, particularly if enjoying now, but this 2015 is also structured for another few years of cellaring, allowing further complexity to unfold with age.