Chassagne-Montrachet is one of the three principal white wine growing towns in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. A century ago it was best known for its red wines, but today most famous Chassagnes are rich, mouthfilling whites.
Many Chassagnes are ageworthy and benefit from even a decade or more in the bottle. But Roger Belland’s wines are a gift to those lacking patience and/or cellar space — today’s Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet will continue to improve for another 3-5 years, but it’s a delightful glass today.
Belland is a humble domaine making high quality, well-priced wines from a wide range of excellent terroirs. Belland’s flagship property is the Clos Pitois — a Chassagne vineyard in production since 1421. It’s located in the Morgeot sector of Chassagne, home to classic, opulent, mouthfilling white Burgundies.
The 2016 Chassagne strikes a magnificent balance between rich fruit and an electric core. The nose is big and expressive, with tropical notes of mango, coconut, and flowers. The mouth is large and long, with excellent persistence and a pulsating texture. Burghound awarded 91 points, calling it “outstanding,” “exceptionally rich,” and “succulent,” with “an enveloping mouthfeel.”
Serve this (not too cold) with a chicken dish with cream and mushrooms — this Norman recipe would be perfection itself.
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Belland Chassagne 1er cru “Pitois” 2016
bottle price: $85
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