Each month, we highlight one of the wines that are available to taste in our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall. George Turner, our Assistant Shop Manager, turns the spotlight onto a delicious red Burgundy made by Domaine de Montille.

2018 Beaune, Les Perrières, 1er Cru, Domaine de Montille, Burgundy

What is it?

After a tricky year of a cold, humid winter followed by a summer reaching sweltering heights of over 30 degrees, Domaine de Montille have managed to retain beautiful balance in this wine.  The grapes come from their holding on the Premier Cru site, Les Perrières – a limestone-rich vineyard on a former stone quarry to the northern end of the village – which has brought energy and freshness to the wine. Due to the conditions of the year, two thirds of the bunches were pressed whole to bring a very pleasing floral bouquet on the nose and the palate. This medium-bodied wine has well-integrated crunchy tannins, with a profile of blackcurrants, raspberries and floral aromas that unfurl out of the glass.

What’s the story behind it?

After the significant vineyard holdings of Prosper de Montille were sold off, his descendant Hubert de Montille only inherited two and a half hectares – but today, his son now manages 17 hectares. Domaine de Montille are recognised for producing some of the purest expressions of Pinot Noir in Burgundy, with a traditional approach to winemaking: the grapes are partially de-stemmed with long periods of maceration; the liquids are aged in oak barriques (20-30% new oak) and the wine is bottled unfiltered. This 2018 Beaune perfectly encapsulates Domaine de Montille’s ethos and style: the winemaking reflects the purity and terroir of this wine, even during a season that would see a wine lean to being fuller-bodied.

What should I drink it with?

With game season in play, this would pair beautifully with partridge, guinea fowl or wild rabbit and ceps on soft polenta.

Visit us in our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall to sample this 2018 Beaune from Domaine de Montille.