2016 Jean-Marc Pillot Puligny-Montrachet Les Noyers Bret

Jean-Marc Pillot is a fourth-generation winemaker in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. He worked with his father, Jean, until the mid-1990s, when he took over the estate, expanding it to 35 acres. Jean-Marc Pillot produces many Premier Cru whites in Chassagne-Montrachet, as well as a few Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet reds, including Clos Saint-Jean, Les Macherelles and Morgeot. Since taking over from his father, Jean-Marc has built a new cellar and updated the domaine. Clive Coates notes that “These are very good wines.”

Puligny-Montrachet, according to Burgundy writer Clive Coates, “is the greatest white wine commune on earth.” Though other reviewers are not always as extravagant in their praise, there is no question that the appellation’s wines are generally the most lauded Chardonnays in the world. Puligny-Montrachet the commune is tiny, with fewer than 500 residents. Yet the appellation named for it has 1,250 acres of vineyards, including 76 acres of Grands Crus and 247 acres of Premiers Crus. Its four famous Grands Crus are Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. There are 26 Premiers Crus completely or partly in the appellation. The Premiers and Grands Crus vineyards are on slopes that eventually rise to 1,300 feet and become total rock. In his admiration for this appellation, Coates added “The top Montrachets, Chevaliers and Bâtards are wines to drink on bended knees, with heartfelt and humble thanks.”

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.