Montrachet Grand Cru

There are few places on earth where Chardonnay reaches such heights as in Montrachet Grand Cru. Montrachet Grand Cru is the beating heart of Chardonnay in Burgundy.

History of Montrachet Grand Cru

The Montrachet vineyard has been celebrated for centuries. As early as the Middle Ages, monks in Burgundy realized that this plot of land was something special. They carefully noted which parcels produced the finest wines. The word “Montrachet” literally means bald hill, a reference to the rocky soil with almost no vegetation. Over the centuries, this small area has grown into one of the most famous places for Chardonnay in the world. It was the Duke of Burgundy who in the 14th century officially recognized its quality. Since then, Montrachet has been regarded as an icon among the Grand Crus.

Location and terroir of Montrachet

The appellation lies right on the border of two villages: Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. Only 8 hectares in size—smaller than many city parks—but with an enormous reputation. The soil is made up of limestone and clay, poor but perfectly draining. The slope faces southeast, so the vines get morning sun without overheating. Thanks to this unique microclimate, Chardonnay ripens evenly here and retains its tension and freshness.

Strict regulations of Montrachet Grand Cru

Because the area is so limited, strict rules apply. Only Chardonnay is allowed, and yields per hectare are deliberately kept low. This ensures that every grape delivers maximum flavor and structure. Only a handful of producers have access to the vineyard. Their bottles rank among the most sought-after white wines in the world. Each year only a small amount is released, which makes them even more rare.

How is Montrachet made?

The grapes are harvested by hand, often early in the morning to preserve freshness. After a gentle pressing, the juice is transferred to oak barrels, usually with a portion of new wood. Here the wine undergoes fermentation and aging that can last up to 18 months. This process gives the wine depth and its trademark balance of power and finesse. In the cellar, intervention is minimal—the terroir is meant to speak. That’s why Montrachet is so famous; the wine conveys the sense of place like few others can.

Fun facts about Montrachet

Montrachet is often seen as the most expensive dry white wine in the world. Some bottles fetch prices normally reserved for top Bordeaux or red Burgundy. A popular saying in France goes: “Montrachet is so good you can serve it to the Pope without shame.” The vineyard is also shared by several legendary names, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leflaive, and Ramonet. This makes the production tiny but extremely prestigious.

More background and significance

What makes Montrachet special is that it is almost used as a reference point. Taste Chardonnay from California, Australia, or South Africa, and it is often compared to Montrachet. It is the benchmark against which others are measured. That says a lot about the status this tiny vineyard has earned. In addition, it is recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage site, along with other famous Burgundy climats. So it’s not just wine, but also a piece of cultural heritage.

Order Montrachet Grand Cru online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find Montrachet Grand Cru wines stored in a conditioned Wine Warehouse, ensuring perfect preservation until delivery. When ordering online, you can also choose to pick up your bottles in Dordrecht. You’ll even receive an extra discount, which is immediately visible when you select ‘Pickup’ during checkout.