Location and Appellation
Puligny-Montrachet is a wine-growing community and village appellation on the Côte de Beaune in the Côte-d’Or department in Burgundy. The area of the appellation is limited to the municipality of Puligny-Montrachet. The appellation was recognised on 31 July 1937.
Climate and Terroir
The vineyards lie at an altitude of approximately 230 to 320 metres and are predominantly oriented to the east and south-east. The continental climate of the Côte de Beaune brings hot summers and frequent Indian summers. The soils comprise mainly brown limestone, alternating limestone and marl, calcareous clay and clayey alluvial deposits; in places, the bedrock appears at the surface.
Wines and Vineyards
The appellation includes still white and red wines. White wines are produced mainly from Chardonnay and show a golden colour as well as floral, fruity, nutty, honey-like, milky and mineral notes with concentrated, well-balanced structure. Red wines are made from Pinot Noir and are, when young, ruby red with aromas of red and black fruit that, as they ripen further, can develop towards leather, musk and fur.
Among the 17 officially classified Premier Cru climats is Les Folatieres. The municipality also produces five Grand Cru appellations. Wines from parcels in the production area of Blagny may be claimed as Puligny-Montrachet only as white wine; suitable red wines can bear the designation Côte de Beaune-Villages.
History and Viticulture
The earliest stated documentary mention dates back to 1094, when the name “Pulyniacus” appears in a deed of gift. In 1878, the municipality added “Montrachet” to its name. The family of Domaine Leflaive is, according to its own information, based in Puligny-Montrachet since 1717.
