2020 Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatieres 1er Cru

WINEMAKER: Jean-Louis Chavy
REGION: Burgundy, FR
VARIETY: Chardonnay
VITICULTURE: Sustainable/Organic

From 0.51 ha of vines in 2 separate plots planted 1993 and 1965, one in the steepest stoniest part close to Blagny which contributes excellent acidity and structure, the other part is from lower down where the soil is richer and this part gives greater richness and depth to the wine. This shows wonderful intensity and generosity. “Fine bright pale straw with a very good weight of fruit, more fruit than floral on the nose. This stretches out beautifully across the palate, white fruit along with a hint of Mirabelle, acidity present but folded into the fruit, very good persistence. Shows real old vine intensity and depth and very complete even at this early stage.”

Whilst Chavy’s have been living in Puligny Montrachet for over 200 years it was not until 1986 that Gerard Chavy started to estate bottle his own wine (previously the wines were sold to negotiants).

Vinification is classic with whole bunch pressing and 24 hours of settling with temperature control and only natural yeasts used for fermentation. Jean-Louis has not used any battonage on any cuvees for some years now. The average age of vines at this estate is impressive with most vineyards now aged between 30 to 50 years old though some in Folatieres and Clavoillons amongst the oldest planted in 1952. 

For the elevage of the wines the use of new oak is restrained with the village Puligny seeing only 15% new oak and the 1er cru’s just 25%. Recent years have seen a move towards 350 litre barrels for ageing to have less oak influence. Unfortunately there are no Grand cru vineyards among his holdings, however his 1er cru’s are located very close to some of the best vineyards in the heart of Puligny. 

Terroir speaks clearly at this estate with the wines essentially being made in similar fashion allowing the differences in soil and exposure to speak in each wine. Jean-Louis’ wines are effortless and unforced showing fine fruit purity and crystal clear terroir definition for each 1er cru. Now with his son Paul is now working full time at the estate following his winemaking studies and the extra pair of hands in the vineyard and the cellar shows in even greater precision and clarity with each wine. These are wines of classic style that age and develop gracefully. Quantities are always very limited and these wines sell out very quickly on arrival.