Jean Chartron : Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos des Chevaliers" Monopole 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos des Chevaliers" Monopole 2021 from Jean Chartron

Tasting

Appearance

The color displays a pale lemon-yellow hue enhanced by greenish highlights that are characteristic of the wine’s youth.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, combining notes of lime zest, ripe pear, nectarine and passion fruit. Nuances of exotic spices, flint and smoke accompany this bouquet, while aromas of white flowers, acacia, rose petals and lavender bring a refined floral dimension. Hints of dried fruits such as walnut and chestnut mingle with notes of Bourbon vanilla and sandalwood, creating an olfactory profile of great depth.

Palate

On the palate, this wine impresses with its balance between power and elegance. A fine, incisive acidity structures the whole, while density and weight provide beautiful concentration. The texture recalls tiny pebbles rolling across the palate, an expression of the terroir’s hallmark mineral intensity. The flavors unfold gradually, revealing white stone fruits, citrus and floral notes on the attack, then evolving toward aromas of almond, hazelnut and minerals through the mid-palate. The finish stands out for its remarkable persistence, with a salinity evocative of distant seas and exceptional length with mineral overtones.

Food and wine pairings

This Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru pairs beautifully with seafood, notably oysters and grilled lobster or lobster in American-style sauce. It also pairs exquisitely with delicate fish such as zander with beurre blanc, with foie gras served with a honey sauce, as well as with sweetbreads in a creamy sauce. Aged goat cheeses and soft-ripened cheeses also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

The Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos des Chevaliers" Monopole 2021 is ideally served at a temperature between 12 and 13°C. This wine will benefit from extended aging and may be enjoyed from 2030 through around 2040, or even beyond depending on storage conditions.

A Burgundy Grand cru with remarkable mineral intensity

The estate

Founded in 1859 by Jean-Edouard Dupard, Domaine Jean Chartron today represents more than 165 years of family history in Burgundy. Located in Puligny-Montrachet, the estate spans around 14.5 hectares of vines across several communes in the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise. Currently run by the fifth generation, with Jean-Michel Chartron vinifying all the wines and his sister Anne-Laure Chartron overseeing vineyard management and sales, the estate perpetuates a tradition of excellence. The property stands out for holding three prestigious monopoles, including the Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos des Chevaliers" since 1917. Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE)-certified, the estate practices organic and biodynamic viticulture with respect for the environment.

The vineyard

The Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos des Chevaliers" comes from a 0.55-hectare monopole parcel located at the northern end of the Chevalier-Montrachet appellation. This vineyard occupies a high position on the Montrachet hillside, between 265 and 290 meters above sea level, benefiting from an ideal east and southeast exposure. The soils are composed of shallow, stony rendzinas, made up of around 20% clay and 80% stones, resting on Jurassic limestone and marl formations. This distinctive geological composition gives the wine its singular mineral character and exceptional aging potential. The vines, averaging 40 years of age, are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, with particular attention paid to lunar cycles and astral movements.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly challenging for Burgundy winegrowers. A mild winter was followed by devastating frosts in early April, with temperatures dropping to as low as -8°C, severely affecting Chardonnay’s early buds. The cool, wet spring in May brought strong downy mildew pressure, requiring heightened vigilance. Summer was marked by cool, rainy conditions that slowed ripening. Fortunately, September benefited from more stable conditions and temperatures close to seasonal norms, allowing the grapes to reach satisfactory ripeness despite significantly reduced yields. These difficult conditions ultimately produced wines of fine concentration and remarkable mineral intensity.

Winemaking and aging

The Chevalier-Montrachet Grand cru "Clos des Chevaliers" Monopole 2021 is vinified using traditional methods that respect the terroir. After hand-harvesting and rigorous sorting, the grapes are gently pressed. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, with 40% new oak and 60% barrels one to five years old, sourced primarily from the Allier and Central forests. Fermentation lasts around four to six weeks, followed immediately by malolactic fermentation. Aging on fine lees continues for fourteen months in barrels, with bâtonnage adjusted according to the wine’s evolution, then an additional four months in tank. Cellar temperatures are maintained between 12 and 13°C to encourage harmonious development. Light filtration precedes bottling.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay