BATARD-MONTRACHET   Grand Cru This white Grand Cru of the Côte de Beaune is a wine of imposing power, venerated by wine lovers all over the world.  Situated right below Le Montrachet, its soil has a slightly different component : a brownish limestone mixed with a lot of gravel. This exceptional terroir causes the Chardonnay grape to act merely as the "messenger" between this unique subsoil and the wine itself.  The grapes are always picked by hand and brought immediately to the winery in Beaune. A delicate pneumatic press is used so as to retain as much as possible of the immense potential of this precious juice.  It is then allowed to ferment in partially new oak barrels. Twelve or thirteen months later, the wine is bottled.  With a wine of this stature, a few years are definitely needed before a bottle should be opened. It is only then that all the aromas of toasted bread, almonds, honey, exotic wood can really be appreciated.  On the palate, Bâtard-Montrachet always strikes us with its monumental structure. Interestingly, there is even a touch of tannin that provides an added dimension.  The aftertaste is simply glorious : powerful, voluptuous and seemingly unending.  Only the most refined dishes can do justice to such a wine : foie gras is high on the list, followed by lobster bisque, crayfish, vol-au-vent, sweetbread, white meat chicken in cream sauce. But whatever you decide to serve, it is sure to be a memorable event !

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© J.Drouhin September 1996 - modified September 15th 1999