Viniou Reviews
The 2015 Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru from Domaine Bruno Colin is a stunning expression of Chardonnay, hailing from one of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations. This vintage captures the sunny yet balanced conditions of 2015, resulting in wines of remarkable ripeness, generous fruit, and refined structure. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grown in old-vine Premier Cru parcels, the wine is vinified with meticulous attention: pressing of whole clusters, gentle extraction, and a careful élevage in French oak barrels, typically with a portion of new oak to lend depth and complexity. The wine opens with aromas of ripe stone fruit, citrus blossom, and hints of toasted hazelnut, evolving in the glass to reveal subtle notes of flint and fresh brioche. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance between opulent fruit, vibrant acidity, and a persistent mineral finish, signatures of its limestone-rich terroir.
Chassagne-Montrachet lies at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, an area famed for its exceptional white Burgundies. The climat here is semi-continental, bringing enough warmth to ripen the grapes fully while cool nights help preserve their natural acidity. The soils, a complex mosaic of limestone and clay interspersed with gravel, foster wines with both power and poise. The village itself has a storied history of viticulture stretching back to the Middle Ages, with Premier Cru vineyards regarded among the world’s finest terroirs for Chardonnay.
With its breadth and finesse, this Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru pairs beautifully with refined seafood such as lobster in beurre blanc or seared scallops. Roasted chicken with morel mushrooms or a classic poulet de Bresse à la crème are equally superb companions, echoing the wine’s balance of texture and freshness. For a local touch, try it with gougères or creamy Epoisses cheese.
To appreciate its full aromatic complexity, serve the wine moderately chilled, ideally between 12 and 14°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving will help reveal its depth and subtle mineral notes. This wine promises pleasure now but will reward cellaring for several more years.
