Bâtard-Montrachet

Bâtard-Montrachet is one of Bourgogne’s most prestigious Grand Cru appellations and one of the great terroirs for Chardonnay anywhere in the world. Situated between Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune, it forms part of the extraordinary concentration of Grand Cru vineyards surrounding Le Montrachet. The appellation was officially recognised in 1937 and is devoted exclusively to white wine.

The vineyard covers just under 12 hectares, lying below Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet on a gently sloping, predominantly east-facing site. Its limestone and marl soils contain more clay than the higher vineyards, while the favourable exposure and relatively low position encourage excellent ripeness and concentration.

Bâtard-Montrachet is itself a Grand Cru and therefore has no Premier Cru classification within the appellation. Production is extremely limited, with the vineyard divided among a relatively small number of owners. Bottles from leading domaines are among the most sought-after and valuable white Burgundies.

The wines are renowned for their remarkable power, depth and richness, combining concentrated Chardonnay fruit with mineral structure and considerable length. The finest examples balance this natural generosity with freshness and precision and can develop extraordinary complexity over decades in the cellar.