Bâtard-Montrachet

It may be that the wines from the Grand Cru Montrachet have the greatest reputation. But the expressive and highly complex white wines from the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet are truly in no way inferior to them. 

What terroir can be found in Bâtard-Montrachet?

The mostly old vines root deeply in the soil, which is characterised by Jurassic limestone and marl, and face east. Incidentally, the same applies not only to the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet, but also to Montrachet. The only difference is that the Grand Cru Montrachet is also crossed by a chalk vein – this is not the case with Bâtard-Montrachet.

On the other hand, the climate is identical: semi-continental with maritime influences. Late frosts rarely affect the grapes. Only hail can cause damage. Or too much rain. However, since maritime influences often prevail, the location is usually spared from major disasters. Very lucky.

Where is the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet located?

As the name affix Montrachet already suggests, the Grand Cru is located in Burgundy. Namely in the Côte de Beaune, which in turn forms the southernmost tip of the Côte d'Or. Or to put it another way: Bâtard-Montrachet is located 400 metres east of the legendary Grand Cru Montrachet between the two villages of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.

Which brings us directly to a special feature. Because, like Montrachet, the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet belongs to both villages. Each village is the proud owner of six hectares. Which makes a total vineyard area of just 12 hectares. Although Puligny actually owns a few more square metres.

What grapes are in a Bâtard-Montrachet?

As with its legendary neighbour, only one grape variety is permitted for a Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet. Namely, Chardonnay. In fact, experts have agreed for centuries that the best Chardonnay wines in the world come from these Grands Crus, closely followed by the two other neighbouring Grands Crus, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet.

Where does the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet get its name from?

Well, there are two legends here, both of which date back to the Middle Ages. The first legend is that a noble knight, the Chevalier de Montrachat (the name was only changed to Montrachet later), was passing the Clos des Pucelles monastery on horseback when he heard the beguiling song of a beautiful maiden. The man was enchanted, fell deeply in love – and nine months later the fair maiden gave birth to a son, who was initially disrespectfully called Bâtard (bastard). But when the knight died in battle, it was decided that the son should succeed him: ‘Bienvenue Bâtard’ the people shouted upon his arrival. This story also explains the name of the neighbouring Grand Cru.

Nevertheless, the second legend is somewhat more likely. In this story, the feudal lord of Puligny wanted to divide his land between his eldest son, a knight (chevalier), his daughters, who were all virgins (les pucelles), and his illegitimate son (there we have the bâtard again). While the bastard gave its name to two Grands Crus over the centuries, the chevalier has also become a Grand Cru. Les Pucelles, meanwhile, is a Premier Cru in the immediate vicinity.

What does a Bâtard-Montrachet taste like?

It is difficult to put into words the complexity and aromatic richness of the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet. Especially since the wines are also very different. What unites them is a magnificent depth and density, coupled with substance and an enormous elegance. These are wines destined for a little eternity because they can age extremely well. Ten or even 20 years are no problem.

Of course, the flavour profile also changes over time. When young, the wines have a steely richness and power that then becomes increasingly fine and subtle until a finely chiselled Chardonnay emerges. In our opinion, it is very worthwhile here to taste the growths of different producers in order to fully understand the Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru. The crux of the matter is that there are a great many producers. Although the vineyard covers only 12 hectares, the parcels are very small. The largest owner is Domaine Leflaive, with 1.81 hectares, while the smallest is Château de Puligny-Montrachet, with just 0.04 hectares. Other well-known vineyards include Jadot, Jean-Marc Boillot, Pierre Morey and Ramonet.

What food goes well with a Bâtard-Montrachet?

Of course, you can enjoy pheasant, partridge or even milk-fed veal with a Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet. But between you and me, such great wines deserve our full attention and should not simply be relegated to the role of a mere food companion. Enjoy it as a soloist for maximum pleasure. Discover wines from the Grand Cru Bâtard-Montrachet at Best of Wines now!