Domaine Bachey Legros, Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc, Burgundy, France, 2021

Producer Profile

The success of this domain stems from their incredible stock of old vines that produce small yields that offer perfect grape ripeness, concentration and are deeply anchored on their rootstocks.

The wines offer power and elegance in equal measure and come from a legacy of generational winemaking from the 19th century. Domaine Bachey Legros.

Viticulture

The domaine farms vines across Santenay, Chassagne‑Montrachet, and Maranges — with the blanc typically coming from clay‑limestone soils with iron-rich subsoils near the Trois Croix hill. Older vines (some planted in the 1950s) contribute concentration and depth. The estate emphasises sustainable viticulture, maintaining low yields and terroir expression, though it is not certified organic, it follows minimum‑intervention approaches.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, followed by gentle pressing. Careful selection of the cuvée ensures only the best juice is used. Ageing takes place in French oak barrels for up to 15 months, a proportion of which are new, to add complexity and texture. The wine is aged on its lees for a period, enhancing richness and depth. The specific time spent in oak varies depending on the vintage and winemaker's assessment of the wine's development.

Tasting Note

This Chardonnay opens with a pale golden hue highlighted by subtle green tones. On the nose, white flowers mingle with vibrant citrus (lemon, mandarin), orchard fruits, and nutty hints along with gentle toast from oak. The palate is rich, concentrated, and creamy, with layers of apple, melon, citrus zest, honey, nougat, and subtle pastry notes. There’s a poised flinty minerality that keeps it fresh, while the finish remains long, elegant, and mineral-driven.

Food Matching

Salmon, scallops, lobster tail, or chicken in a white wine cream sauce.