Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine de Montille, 2019
Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine de Montille, 2019
- 75cl
- 13%
- White Still
- Chardonnay
- Organic
- Biodynamic
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2029
About Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine de Montille, 2019
"Pears and white plum aromas, and a note of fennel tops. Juicy and gentle with nutmeg-dusted orchard fruits but lively enough and satisfyingly concentrated and long."
Tom Harrow
Cellar Master Brian Sieve was rightly pleased with the domaine’s wines again this year, commenting on a good balance of acidity and alcohol but adding a note of caution about climate change: 2019 was one of the driest vintages on record and he suggests Burgundy is in “in a window right now. Pinot Noir is a delicate variety and we need more water and less sun”.
Overall he preferred slightly fewer whole bunches and less new oak than 2018. Étienne added that 2019 has a “classic textural character” and was “a consensual vintage – everyone could make the style of wine they wanted, unlike the last three vintages, here there is something for everyone”. The latter is certainly true here at de Montille with chiselled, polished reds and racy but juicy whites.
Our visits to de Montille get (thankfully) longer each year as we continue to deepen our relationship with Étienne, Brian and the team. No other address in Burgundy has such strength in its domaine whites and Côte de Beaune reds (and the highly sought after Vosne-Romanée ‘Malconsorts’ cherry on top) so we are delighted to carry a good selection from across their portfolio.
This 2019 is drinking beautifully now, with the primary fruit still vibrant but beginning to integrate with subtle secondary development. Over the next two to three years, expect the pear and plum notes to deepen slightly whilst gaining complexity from lees contact and gentle oxidation. The fennel-like herbaceous quality should mellow into something more honeyed, and the nutmeg spice will become more pronounced. Being Bourgogne level and from the warm 2019 vintage, it's best enjoyed whilst the fruit remains fresh rather than cellared for extended periods.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with brilliant clarity and a hint of green at the rim.
NoseFresh pear and white plum dominate, lifted by an unusual but charming note of fennel tops. There's a subtle mineral undertone that speaks to the limestone soils. The aromatics are clean and focused rather than exuberant.
PalateJuicy orchard fruits coat the palate with gentle concentration, dusted with warming nutmeg spice. The texture is approachable yet structured, with enough acidity to keep things lively. There's satisfying weight here without any heaviness, showing de Montille's deft touch with white Burgundy.
FinishSurprisingly long for the appellation level, with mineral persistence and a gentle fade of orchard fruit.
Overall impressionClassic white Burgundy character at an accessible level, showing both immediate charm and underlying seriousness.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this would be poured alongside escargots de Bourgogne swimming in garlic and parsley butter, or perhaps a simple roast chicken from Bresse with tarragon. The locals might pair it with coq au vin blanc, where the wine echoes in both glass and pot, or with fresh goat's cheese from the nearby hills of the Mâconnais. Pike quenelles in cream sauce, a Lyonnaise classic that migrated north, would be another natural match, the wine's acidity cutting through the rich béchamel whilst complementing the delicate fish.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 10-12°C to preserve the fresh fruit character and acidity. No need to decant, but do allow it to warm slightly in the glass to reveal the subtle spice and mineral notes. A classic white Burgundy glass with a generous bowl will concentrate the aromatics whilst the narrower rim focuses the fruit on the palate.
The Bourgogne Blanc vineyards at de Montille draw from various sites across the Côte d'Or, typically on limestone-rich soils with good drainage. The combination of cool climate and chalky subsoil provides the mineral backbone that defines white Burgundy, whilst the modest elevation and east-facing slopes capture morning sun without excessive heat. This terroir naturally preserves acidity whilst allowing Chardonnay to develop its characteristic tension between richness and restraint.
Bourgogne Blanc is the entry-level appellation for white Burgundy, covering vineyards across the Côte d'Or that don't qualify for village or premier cru status. The rules are straightforward: 100% Chardonnay, maximum yields of 68 hl/ha, and minimum alcohol of 10.5%. What matters more than regulations is the producer's skill in sourcing fruit and managing fermentation. At its best, Bourgogne Blanc offers pure Chardonnay character without the premium of famous village names, making it Burgundy's most accessible expression of this noble grape.
The 2019 vintage in Burgundy delivered exactly what vignerons needed after a string of challenging years: a textbook growing season that let the grapes ripen slowly and evenly. Spring arrived gently, summer stayed warm without punishing heat spikes, and crucially, September brought those cool nights that preserve acidity whilst allowing full phenolic ripeness. We find ourselves talking about 2019 as one of those vintages where nature simply cooperated, giving winemakers healthy fruit with natural balance rather than forcing them to correct for extremes in the cellar.
What emerged are Burgundies with remarkable freshness married to genuine depth—the Pinot Noirs show that silky texture and bright red fruit character that makes great Burgundy so compelling, whilst the Chardonnays have both the mineral backbone and subtle richness that age beautifully. The quality runs impressively deep across all appellations, from village wines that drink like premier crus to grand crus that remind you why Burgundy commands such devotion. These wines are drinking beautifully now if you fancy them young and vibrant.
FAQs
What does this Bourgogne Blanc taste like?
Fresh and juicy with pear and white plum, lifted by fennel-like herbs and a gentle nutmeg spice, finishing with good length and mineral persistence.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will remain at its best until 2029, whilst the primary fruit character is still vibrant and fresh.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic Burgundian dishes like escargots, roast Bresse chicken, or goat's cheese work perfectly, as do lighter fish dishes and creamy sauces.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 10-12°C in a white Burgundy glass, allowing it to warm slightly in the glass to reveal its subtle complexity.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This is best enjoyed over the next few years whilst the fruit remains fresh rather than cellared long-term, being an accessible Bourgogne level wine.
How does this compare to village-level white Burgundy?
It offers classic Chardonnay character and de Montille's skilled winemaking at a more accessible price point, with less intensity and aging potential than village crus but genuine Burgundian style.
Explore related wines
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs