Site and Classification
Les Folatières is a named Premier-Cru climate in the commune of Puligny-Montrachet on the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. The vineyard is located in the upper part of the slope, near the summit, and above Clos de la Garenne.
Soil and Aspect
The soils of Les Folatières consist of clay and chalk with numerous stones. The site is considered well-drained and warms up easily. The wider Puligny-Montrachet appellation also features brown limestone, alternating limestone and marl, calcareous clay and alluvial soils with clay; the slopes are oriented to the east and south-east and lie at approximately 230 to 320 metres in altitude.
Varieties and Wine Style
The wines of the appellation are produced predominantly as white wines from Chardonnay; red wines from Pinot Noir are also permitted. For the white style, notes of citrus fruit, fern, spices and honey are documented when young; later, aromas of almond, toast and candied fruit may also appear. The red style is described as fruity and comparatively supple.
Viticulture and Maturation
For a documented source from Les Folatières, Guyot pruning, trellis framework, tying-in, thinning out, hand-harvesting and sorting during the harvest are specified. The described cuvées are pressed gently, or with low pressure, fermented in French oak and aged for about 15 to 18 months on the fine lees. Depending on the cuvée, 20 percent or one third new barrels are used; further steps include cold clarification, blending in stainless steel, fining and gentle filtration.
