Wines Chevalier-Montrachet Domaine Roulot - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Hailing from the illustrious Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru appellation in the Côte de Beaune, this Domaine Roulot 2018 is a testament to the heights that Chardonnay can reach in Burgundy. The 2018 vintage, shaped by a warm and generous growing season, brings forth a wine of remarkable intensity and balance. Estate-grown fruit is meticulously hand harvested, then vinified with precision, typically with careful use of French oak and extended lees ageing to encourage both complexity and finesse. The nose is expressive, unveiling notes of white peach, citrus zest, toasted hazelnut and fine minerals, accompanied by subtle hints of acacia blossom and gentle spice. On the palate, this wine combines structure, depth and lingering salinity – a hallmark of this celebrated terroir.

Chevalier-Montrachet sits atop the slope just above Montrachet itself, benefiting from higher altitude and an ideal southeast aspect. The soils are predominantly thin, stony limestone over marl, which ensures top drainage and encourages the vine roots to work deep. This distinctive terroir, combined with the region’s semi-continental climate, creates Chardonnay of extraordinary precision and tension. The history of winemaking here is rich and profound, with centuries of refinement and a reputation for producing some of the world’s greatest white wines.

Given its concentration and elegance, this wine calls for elevated food pairings. Classic dishes such as lobster in beurre blanc, pan-roasted turbot, or a creamy Bresse chicken all resonate beautifully with the wine’s texture and aromatics. More regionally, a fine quenelle de brochet in a light sauce or a rich Comté cheese make excellent partners, allowing the mineral backbone of the wine to shine through.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru at 12-13°C in a large-bowled glass, giving the wine space to open and reveal its full aromatic range. Aerate gently if consuming young, or consider cellaring for further complexity over the coming decade.