2016 Domaine Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Ruchottes

Domaine Ramonet, founded in the early 20th century by Pierre Ramonet, is one of Burgundy's most revered white wine producers. Located in Chassagne-Montrachet, the domaine is now run by Noël Ramonet and his brother Jean-Claude, representing the third generation. With approximately 17 hectares of vineyards, including prized parcels in grand cru sites like Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet, Ramonet is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Chardonnays. The estate's meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking techniques result in wines of exceptional purity, complexity, and longevity.

Primarily located in the Côte de Beaune, the southern half of Burgundy's prestigious Côte d'Or, this region is particularly famous for its white wines. The Côte de Beaune stretches from Ladoix-Serrigny in the north to Santenay in the south, encompassing a diverse range of terroirs. The area is characterized by a patchwork of small vineyards, each with its unique microclimate and soil composition, contributing to the complex hierarchy of Burgundy's appellation system.

The terroir of the Côte de Beaune, where Ramonet's vineyards are located, is distinguished by its limestone-rich soils, often mixed with varying amounts of clay and marl. The vineyards typically occupy east-facing slopes, providing optimal sun exposure and protection from harsh winds. This region's unique soil composition, particularly in the Montrachet area, is characterized by white limestone mixed with red iron-rich clay, contributing to the wines' distinctive mineral character. The cool continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, allows for the slow ripening of Chardonnay grapes. This combination of soil, slope, and climate produces wines known for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable ability to express their specific terroir.