Joie de Vivre and a Zeal for Burgundian Terroir
by Tom Wolf
Joie de Vivre and a Zeal for Burgundian Terroir
by Tom Wolf
In a way, it’s a blessing that Valentin Montanet’s northern corner of Burgundy isn’t home to any premiers or grands crus. Under no pressure to do anything too grand or fussy with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Melon de Bourgogne, Valentin’s greatest ambition is to make the most pure and joyous whites and reds possible from the cooler-climate terroirs around Vézelay.
This is why you’ll find his wines on the menus of the hippest wine bars and bistros in Paris or Montreal. As committed to Burgundy’s zeal for terroir as anyone, Valentin is equally devoted to wine’s fundamental purpose: joie de vivre. The balance of these two priorities makes his Burgundies so much fun to drink.
On my last visit to the domaine, Valentin served his wines alongside his region’s famous Bresse chicken and mashed potatoes, but they are incredibly versatile, red and white alike. His Melon de Bourgogne and Vézelays make for dreamy seafood pairings. His pure and elegant reds are also so food-friendly. Grilled mushrooms, goat cheese, and pâtés all come to mind, but they also go great with veggie samosas and egg rolls.
Wines In The Collection
La Sœur Cadette France | Burgundy
The grape is better known as the Loire Valley’s delicate, citrusy Muscadet, but grown in the land from whence it’s named, it takes on lovely length and texture.
La Sœur Cadette France | Burgundy
A thirst-quenching, spirit-lifting, and downright delicious white Burgundy.
La Sœur Cadette France | Burgundy
La Châtelaine highlights what may be the best terroir of Vézelay and why this little appellation is on the map in the first place.
La Sœur Cadette France | Burgundy
All you need to know is that this wine drinks like a Beaujolais with loads of black, sappy fruit and is ounce per ounce more pleasurable and delicious than anything you’d find in a collector’s stash.
France | Burgundy
The grape is better known as the Loire Valley’s delicate, citrusy Muscadet, but grown in the land from whence it’s named, it takes on lovely length and texture.
France | Burgundy
A thirst-quenching, spirit-lifting, and downright delicious white Burgundy.
France | Burgundy
La Châtelaine highlights what may be the best terroir of Vézelay and why this little appellation is on the map in the first place.
France | Burgundy
All you need to know is that this wine drinks like a Beaujolais with loads of black, sappy fruit and is ounce per ounce more pleasurable and delicious than anything you’d find in a collector’s stash.
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