2012 Maison de Montille Chablis Montée de Tonnerre

Maison de Montille is a Cote de Beaune negociant founded and run by the brother/sister team of Etienne and Alix de Montille, who with their father Hubert also own and operate the well-regarded Domaine de Montille. The negociant business was started in 2003 and is run by Alix, who is responsible for the elevage of the cuvees, which are made in cellars in Meursault. Clive Coates has written that “I like the (Les Deux Montilles) wines very much indeed.”

Montee de Tonnerre is a 15-acre Premier Cru parcel just east of the village of Chablis and just south of the Grand Crus. Montee de Tonnerre includes the important climats of Chapelot, Les Chapelots, Pied d’Aloup and Coted de Brechain. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “in blind tastings, this microparcel is often judged to be a Grand Cru. It is regrettable that its reputation is not better known…” The soil is a mixture of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.