2022 Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Cuvee Camille, Cote Chalonnaise

Feuillat-Juillot Montagny Cuvée Camille is an exquisite Chardonnay from the Côte Chalonnaise, showcasing the elegance and finesse of this underappreciated region of Burgundy. Crafted by the talented winemaker Françoise Feuillat-Juillot, this wine embodies her dedication to precision, tradition, and a deep understanding of the terroir. Françoise, a second-generation winemaker, has elevated her family’s estate to produce wines of exceptional purity and balance, with Cuvée Camille being a standout example.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from select parcels in Montagny, one of the four appellations of the Côte Chalonnaise renowned for its Chardonnay production. The vineyards benefit from south-east exposure and limestone-rich soils, which impart minerality, freshness, and structure to the wine. The region’s relatively warm climate ensures ripe fruit flavors, while the limestone terroir preserves the vibrant acidity that makes Burgundy Chardonnay so distinctive.

Winemaking is focused on showcasing the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir. The hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle pressing, and fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and aromatics. A portion of the wine is aged in French oak barrels (some new), which adds subtle texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit’s natural character.

This elegant Chardonnay pairs perfectly with grilled seafood, roasted chicken with herbs, or creamy mushroom risotto. It also complements lighter fare like steamed asparagus or a fresh citrus salad, offering versatility at the table. With its precision and balance, Cuvée Camille is enjoyable now but has the structure to age gracefully over the next 3-5 years.

Intense aromas of white flowers on the nose with mineral and buttery notes. The round and gourmand palate is well balanced with luscious white fruits such as white peach. The wines of Montagny are perfect examples of how the soil and climate can influence a wine's character. The soil in Montagny is chalky, with clay on the top layer. This composition affects how the grape vines interact with the soil and thus impacts flavor production. In addition, Montagny lies within a cool climate zone, which modifies its temperature to produce wines that are delicate and fruity.

This wine comes from two parcels of young vines, planted between 2010 and 2012. In 2013, it was the first harvest. I have been immediately seduced by the aromatic intensity, the body and the freshness present in the wine, which is normally hard to obtain with very young vines. I decided to create a special Cuvée under the name of “Camille”, my daughter

 Winemaker Françoise Feuillat-Julliot.