1981 Mommessin Puligny Montrachet

Mommessin traces its history in Macon, in southern Burgundy, to 1865, when Jean-Marie Mommessin purchased outbuildings of a former abbey and began business as a negociant. In 1932 Mommessin purchased the Clos de Tart, an 18.6 - acre Grand Cru vineyard which was one of the best in the region. Today the estate’s headquarters is located in Quincie-en-Beaujolais and Mommessin owns 250 acres of vineyards. The estate is planted primarily to Gamay.

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.