Wine Blog
The ‘Big Rock’ or La Grande Roche from Montagny is perhaps the best value premier cru in all of Burgundy. From the lesser-known region called the Côte Chalonnaise (just south of the famous Côte d’Or), La Grande Roche has modest origins and thus cannot command the prices that its northern neighbors from the Golden Slope can and do demand. Yet the quality of the chardonnay fruit from this little 21 square mile niche is truly outstanding.
The vineyards of La Grande Roche are perched high up on a summit overlooking the vine-studded valley. Planted on limestone bedrock with chalky surface soils and a south-east exposure, the chardonnay vines in this very special vineyard are treated to an abundance of sunlight and minerals which never fail to show up in the tasting.
As Maison Louis Latour has exclusive rights to a portion of this vineyard, the grapes are nurtured and tended to in the same manner as those of Corton Charlemagne. Stringent quality requirements translate into low yields and fully ripened berries that are high in natural sugar content. This typical ripeness and expressive minerality have come to define the gustative profile of La Grande Roche. With no expenses spared, the Big Rock grapes are pressed then vinified and aged in Louis Latour’s cellars in Beaune; the same world-class winemaking team that crafts Le Montrachet also supervises every stage in Montagny’s evolution from the crush to bottling. 100% stainless steel preserves the vibrant citrus and crisp apple fruit that never cease to charm Montagny-drinkers year after year.
If you have yet to taste a wine from Montagny, La Grande Roche 2003 should be your introduction. In keeping with the style of the vintage, this Montagny is the epitome of ripeness but it also has lovely acidity to complement the fatness. It reveals spicy aromas of fennel which give way to ripe lemons and juicy apricots. The length is substantial and the finish simply delicious. Try a bottle of La Grande Roche today for only $19!! Mention this blog article in the comment line when you place your order to receive the discount.
