2018 Domaine de Montille Beaune 1er Cru’ Les Sizies’, Burgundy – buy online

WHO?

Founded in the mid-18th century, Domaine de Montille is one of the oldest family-run estates on the Côte d’Or. It is currently managed by the ninth generation of the family, Etienne de Montille, who inherited the estate from his late father, Hubert. Hubert Montille managed the estate for an incredible 50 years. During a period when 90% of the region’s production was sold to négociants, he gained fame for bottling estate wines that were long-lived and distinctive. Etienne was an early advocate of organic farming, which he introduced to the estate’s vineyards in 1995. In 2005, biodynamic practices followed, and the estate received ‘Ecocert Bio’ certification in 2012. Wine production at Domaine de Montille has evolved over the years. Etienne, who studied enology and worked as Hubert’s apprentice, sought a progressive approach to winemaking compared to his father’s traditional methods. Gradually, Hubert allowed his son greater control, and Etienne’s influence on wine production became noticeable from the late 1990s.

WHERE?

Beaune 1er Cru Sizies is named after a 13th-century owner, Renaud de Sessie, who owned tanneries in Beaune. It is located at the foot of the Beaune slope, situated on predominantly clay soil. The Sizies vineyards of De Montille are on a 1.62-hectare plot with vines averaging 30 years old. The winery has practiced organic viticulture since 1995 and has been certified organic since 2012. In 2005, Domaine de Montille transitioned to biodynamic viticulture.

WHY?

The main characteristic of Beaune 1er Cru Sizies is its exceptional aromatic purity, always striving for balance and elegance over power and extraction. These are classic expressions of Burgundy, produced in the most natural way possible, with an impressive ability to age. At Domaine de Montille, it is believed that only time can reveal the true potential of the greatest wines.