Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet

The Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) has been a Grand Cru appellation of the Côte de Beaune, in the Côte-d’Or, since 1937. On the label, the designation “Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru” must appear immediately below the name of each of these appellations in the same font size. The Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet appellation applies exclusively to the municipality of Chassagne-Montrachet.

The Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet AOC enjoys an east- and south-facing exposure at an elevation of between 240 and 250 meters. In Montrachet, the soils are shallow over hard limestone, traversed by a band of reddish marl. The 1.57 hectares of vineyards classified as Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru yield only a limited production of approximately 73 hectoliters per year, making this wine extraordinarily rare.

The Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru appellation produces exclusively white wines, which are made from one of Burgundy’s flagship grape varieties: Chardonnay. While subtle nuances emerge among the different climats, they share certain common traits. With a golden color and emerald highlights—which turn more yellow with age—the bouquet of this white wine evokes butter and warm croissants, ferns, dried fruits, spices, and honey. The body and bouquet are indistinguishable, as structure and harmony blend into perfect unity. Creamy yet firm, dry yet caressing, enveloping and deep, it possesses every grace beneath an unyielding character. The exceptional character of the wines from the Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet appellation can be fully appreciated thanks to the work of Chanson Père et Fils, the Domaine d’Auvenay, and the Domaine Roger Belland, among others.