Exploring Montrachet and the surrounding grands crus

Montrachet is among the most seductive and voluptuous white wines on the planet. The eminent Burgundy expert Dr Jules Lavalle wrote in 1855 that Montrachet produced wines that ‘merit so incontestably the first rank among the white wines of the Côte d’Or, and probably among all of the white wines of the world’. Few would contradict him, then or now.

It would be an error to think that every bottle with the word ‘Montrachet’ on the label is equivalent in quality. However, a little knowledge about the vineyard, and the others that surround it, can help you track down one of the world’s most extraordinary white wines, as well as several exciting satellite appellations that richly merit their reflected glory.

Scroll down to see scores and tasting notes for 12 Montrachet Grand Cru wines

This article includes:

An overview of Montrachet’s history and of the distinctive aspects of the Puligny and Chassagne sides
A closer look at the neighbouring grand cru vineyards of Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet
Charles Curtis MW’s scores and tasting notes for 12 mighty Montrachet wines