2016 Michel Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet Clos de la Maltroie 1er Cru

About Domaine Michel Niellon

Domaine Michel Niellon, nestled in the heart of Chassagne-Montrachet, has been renowned for decades for its classic Chardonnay style. Since the 1950s, the estate has become a benchmark in the Côte de Beaune. Today, Michel Niellon collaborates with his son-in-law, Michel Coutoux, maintaining traditional methods: hand harvesting, minimal intervention, and a pure expression of terroir. Their wines are rare and sought after by both connoisseurs and sommeliers.

Clos de la Maltroie 1er Cru in 2016

Clos de la Maltroie is a walled premier cru vineyard in the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet. The clay-limestone soil with good drainage produces wines that are simultaneously powerful and refined. The 2016 vintage was characterized by low yields after a spring frost, followed by an ideal late summer that produced healthy, aromatic grapes. This resulted in a balanced wine with tension, length, and precision.

Vinification and style

The grapes are hand-picked and carefully selected. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, about a quarter of which are new. The wine is aged for approximately 12 months on the fine lees. Bâtonnage is deliberately kept to a minimum to preserve freshness and structure. The result is a wine with subtle oak notes, lively acidity, and a pronounced minerality.

Smell, taste and assessment

In the glass, the wine displays a light golden color. The nose opens with aromas of citrus, green apple, and white flowers, followed by hazelnut, wet stone, and a hint of brioche. On the palate, the wine is layered and taut, with a core of ripe fruit, crisp acidity, and a long, dry finish with chalky minerality. According to wine journalists, the 2016 Clos de la Maltroie is "energetic, tense, and complex," with Decanter and Vinous both praising its aging potential and pure terroir expression. The wine scored between 91 and 93 points from international critics.

Why order this wine?

Michel Niellon's 2016 Clos de la Maltroie is a magnificent representative of premier cru Chassagne-Montrachet. The combination of a renowned producer, classic vinification, and a strong vintage makes this wine an excellent choice for lovers of refined Burgundy. Ideal for drinking now or allowing it to mature for a few years in the cellar.

Would you like to order Michel Niellon wines online?

In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with Michel Niellon Clos de la Maltroie

• Grilled scallops with lemon butter – the creaminess of the scallop is beautifully balanced by the fresh acidity and minerality.
• Baked cod with fennel and orange – complements the citrus character and fine structure of the wine.
• Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan – creaminess and freshness meet the texture of the wine.
• Goat cheese with thyme and honey – the salty and spicy elements enhance the complexity.
• Lobster with beurre blanc – the wine’s full structure can handle a rich sauce without sacrificing elegance.