2017 Lucien Muzard Chassagne Montrachet Biodynamic, Cote d'Or Burgundy

From a tiny 0.1 ha parcel, the fruit is hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and wild-yeast fermented in one- and two-year old French oak barriques. The wine is then matured in barrel on fine lees without batonnage for one year, and bottled with a light fining and filtration.

In 2005 they went organic in their vineyards and gained certification for biodynamic farming with the 2008 vintage.  The brothers trace their lineage back to 1645 in Santenay and see themselves as part of a long tradition of  farmers. Their decision to work biodynamically was taken to sustain and improve the health of their land.  

The average age of the vines is 55 years. Pinot Noir grape variety is grown on clay and chalky soil with Cordon de Royat pruning. Harvesting is all carried out by hand in small cases of 10 kgs. Reducing vine yields and the adoption of some modern wine-making techniques has resulted in spotlessly pure, great value Burgundy.

’Also young vines – about 10 years old – on clay soil near Abbaye de Morgeot – têtes de moines limestone here that deflect the blades of the plough. Also a small production, only a 350 l and one normal barrel. Another faint reduction. Slightly in the mouth too – more architectural volume – pure, open, slowly melting with fresh flavour. A little oak in the finish – wait for this, it’s very sophisticated compared to the others. Long, too.’ 

Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report, December 2018