Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers

About this wine

Caroline Morey's Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers stands as one of the most compelling expressions of this celebrated village appellation. Les Vergers ('The Orchards') is a premier cru vineyard situated in the heart of Chassagne-Montrachet, prized for its limestone-rich soils over a bedrock of Bathonian limestone that imparts a distinctive stony minerality. Caroline Morey—eldest daughter of Jean-Marc Morey and granddaughter of Albert Morey, who pioneered domaine-bottling in Chassagne in 1950—launched her own domaine with the 2014 vintage, managing 7 hectares across Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay, and Beaune. Working alongside her husband Pierre-Yves Colin in a shared cellar, she employs indigenous yeasts, 350-litre barrels with 25% new oak, no bâtonnage, and 15–20 months on the lees. The result is a wine of precise tension and clarity: vibrant acidity, concentrated white peach, citrus zest and almond blossom on the nose, with a long saline, flinty finish that is unmistakably Chassagne.

Sommelier's Note

"This is one of the purest expressions of Chassagne terroir being made today—don't overlook it simply because Caroline Morey's name is still finding its place on the global stage."

Food Pairings

A natural partner for refined seafood and white-fleshed proteins. The wine's stony minerality and brisk acidity shine alongside grilled lobster, sea scallops in beurre blanc, turbot or sole meunière, and lemon-herb roasted chicken. The saline finish also makes it an outstanding match for quality oysters and butter-poached fish. With its orchard-fruit richness it can handle subtly creamy sauces without being overwhelmed.

When to drink it

Perfect for celebrating milestones, elegant dinner parties, or as a treasured gift to a Burgundy enthusiast. Also ideal for an intimate dinner where the wine itself takes center stage.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

Style

White

Price Range

¥15,000–25,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted. Gentle whole-cluster pressing is followed by natural settling. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in 350-litre Burgundy barrels using indigenous yeasts, with no bâtonnage during élevage. Aging lasts 15–20 months on the fine lees with approximately 25% new oak. Light filtration before bottling preserves aromatic complexity and textural density.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Caroline Morey's Les Vergers compare to other Chassagne premier crus?

Les Vergers is renowned for its aromatic finesse and tension rather than the weightier richness of Les Caillerets. It is earlier-drinking, precise, and particularly expressive of the orchard and mineral character that defines Chassagne-Montrachet at its best.

What does this wine smell and taste like?

Expect white peach, lemon curd, almond blossom, and toasted hazelnut on the nose, with a palate of brisk acidity, a creamy mid-palate, and a long, stony, saline finish.

When is the best time to drink this?

It is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop complexity for 8–12 years from the vintage. Allowing 30 minutes of decanting before serving brings out the full aromatic spectrum.

What Japanese foods pair best with this wine?

White-fleshed fish sashimi such as tai (sea bream) or hirame (flounder), lightly salted grilled tai, butter-sautéed hotate (scallops), and white-sauced anago (conger eel) are all outstanding matches.

Is this a good wine for someone new to Burgundy?

Yes. While it is a serious premier cru, its approachable fruit-forward style and clear terroir expression make it an ideal introduction to the world of white Burgundy.