Site: Puligny-Montrachet is located in the central section of the Côte de Beaune, where the celebrated Côte des Blancs (Slope of the whites) is located. A few steps from Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet, Pucelles is one of the most prized white Premier Crus.History & tradition: according to the often told story, the lord of Puligny in the Middle Ages divided his estate between his children: the eldest was the "chevalier" (knight), the daughters were the "pucelles" (young virgins) and the son born out of wedlock was the "bâtard".Soil: limestone. Mixture of brown earth and pebbles.
Viticulture
Plantation density: 10,000 stocks/ha in order to extract all possible nuances from the terroir.Pruning: Guyot.Yield: 49hl/ha, low on purpose to limit the production of each vine stock.Supply: grapes and must purchased from regular suppliers with long term contracts.
Vinification
Pressing: very slow so as to respect fruit. Juices from the very last pressings are not retained.No yeasts or enzymes are used. The wine goes directly into barrels after "débourbage" (decanting of white wine to reduce sediment).
Ageing
Type: in barrels (25% in new oak).Length: 12 to 15 months.Origin of the wood: French oak forests.Weathering of the wood: Joseph Drouhin insists on total control of the weathering for a period of 3 years, one of the contributing elements to the elegance of the wine.Follow-up: barrel by barrel.Throughout the ageing process, decisions are taken only after careful tasting evaluation. The data obtained is then completed through technical analysis. As with every other Joseph Drouhin wine, absolute priority is given to the true expression of terroir and character of the vintage.
Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin
"Beautiful, brilliant, pale gold colour. Elegant and flowery aromas where linden (tilleul) and pastry dominate, together with lemon rind and almond paste. As the wine matures, the aromas get even finer, with notes of dried fruit, honey biscuit and syrup. On the palate, the wine delivers an impression of finesse and seduction, with a wonderful silky texture and long lasting flavors lingering a long time in the aftertaste".
Vintage
The 2020 whites are fruity with very beautiful acidities and offer a great aromatic complexity. Despite the hot temperatures of summer, they are well-balanced, supported by freshness.
The premiers crus and grands crus are still ageing on lees, they take their time but undeniably gain in fullness, richness and aromatic complexity. We accompany them gently during this long process.
Serving
Temperature: 13°C (55°C).Cellaring: 8 to 20 years.
