The 2021 Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Blanc Côte d'Or is one of Burgundy's finest value Chardonnays, produced by brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet. Sourced primarily from mature vineyards below Puligny-Montrachet (about two-thirds) and young-vine Chassagne-Montrachet (about one-third), it offers remarkable pedigree for a regional Bourgogne Blanc. Fermented and aged with approximately 20% new French oak, it delivers the precision and minerality typical of the Côte de Beaune while retaining freshness and elegance.

Vintage Overview

The 2021 Burgundy vintage was one of the coolest in recent years following severe spring frost, resulting in lower yields but wines with exceptional freshness, vibrant acidity, and classic Burgundian finesse. Bachelet-Monnot's meticulous vineyard work produced a Chardonnay with remarkable balance and purity despite the challenging growing season.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

• Pale straw with green highlights
• Brilliant clarity

Nose

Elegant aromas of:

• Granny Smith apple
• Pear
• Meyer lemon
• White peach
• Lemon blossom
• Flint
• Wet stone
• Light toast
• Subtle hazelnut
• Gentle smoke

Palate

Medium-bodied with flavors of:

• Green apple
• Ripe pear
• Lemon curd
• White peach
• Citrus zest
• Chalky minerality
• Toasted almond

The palate is energetic and beautifully balanced, combining crisp acidity with a subtle creamy texture from lees aging. The finish is long, dry, and distinctly mineral, with hints of citrus and flint.

Structure

• Body: Medium
• Acidity: High
• Sweetness: Dry
• Alcohol: 13%
• Oak: Approximately 20% new French oak
• Finish: Long, fresh, mineral-driven

Regional Character

This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from vineyards bordering Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, two of the Côte de Beaune's most prestigious white wine villages. The limestone-rich soils contribute:

• Bright citrus fruit
• Orchard fruit
• Chalky minerality
• Flinty notes
• Vibrant acidity
• Excellent aging potential

Compared with richer Meursault, this wine is more linear and mineral, while offering more depth and complexity than a typical regional Bourgogne Blanc.

Professional Ratings

Drinking Window

The 2021 Bourgogne Blanc Côte d'Or is drinking beautifully now after 20–30 minutes of air, and will continue to evolve through 2028, gaining notes of hazelnut, brioche, and honey while maintaining its vibrant mineral backbone.

Food Pairings

• Oysters
• Seared scallops
• Dover sole
• Lobster with beurre blanc
• Roast chicken
• Chicken in a light cream sauce
• Mushroom risotto
• Comté cheese
• Triple-cream Brie
• Goat cheese

Sommelier's Perspective

The 2021 Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Blanc Côte d'Or is a benchmark regional White Burgundy and one of the best values in the Côte de Beaune. Fruit sourced from vineyards adjacent to Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet gives it a level of sophistication rarely found at the Bourgogne level. Expect vibrant notes of green apple, pear, lemon zest, white peach, flint, and chalky minerality, framed by lively acidity and restrained oak. It captures the elegance and precision of great White Burgundy at a fraction of the price of the neighboring village appellations, making it an exceptional introduction to the Bachelet-Monnot style

The most acclaimed region of Burgundy, the Côte d’Or is defined by a long, limestone escarpment beneath the ground's surface and is home to all of Burgundy’s most famous wines. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are produced throughout the Côte d’Or, the north tends to excel at Pinot Noir and the south, at Chardonnay.

The northern half of the Côte d’Or is called the Côte de Nuits. Here reside most of the Pinot noir Grands Crus vineyards of Burgundy—the only one farther south, in Côte de Beaune, is Aloxe-Corton.

The Côte de Beaune is the center all of the Chardonnay Grands Crus with the exception of Le Musingy, found in Chambolle-Musigny in the Côte de Nuits, which produces both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with Grand Cru status.