Domaine Ramonet, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru AOC Boudriotte Blanc
1996, Bourgogne, France
Classification Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru AOC
Colour / Type White
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Chardonnay
Average score 86
Domaine Ramonet is a prominent wine producer in the Burgundy appellations of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. The estate's most important wines are made from Chardonnay from the area's grand cru vineyards, and are highly collectible, often selling for high prices at auction. Domaine Ramonet makes several red wines from Pinot Noir as well. Pierre Ramonet began buying land on the Montrachet hill in the 1930s and, by the 1950s, owned land in several premier and grand cru vineyards. In the 1970s, he acquired a piece of the famed Le Montrachet site, and now Ramonet owns more than 15 hectares (37 acres) of vineyards, making wines ranging from village-level to grand and premier cru. Old vines and low yields are the cornerstones of Ramonet's viticultural philosophy, and vines younger than 18 years are not used in the top cuvees. After traditional fermentation, the white wines are kept on lees for an extended period, with battonage happening much less frequently than usual. Both red and white wines are aged in 33 percent new oak. Domaine Ramonet is now run by Noel and Jean-Claude Ramonet, following the death of their father Pierre in the mid-'90s. The domaine continues to make some of Montrachet's most highly regarded wines. Domaine Ramonet is undoubtedly regarded amongst the top producers of white wines in the Cote de Beaune, from their superb Chassagne-Montrachet Villages and Premiers Crus to masterpiece Grands Crus.
About Domaine Ramonet
Domaine Ramonet is a celebrated wine estate located in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet, at the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Established in the early 20th century by Pierre Ramonet, the domaine has grown from modest beginnings to become one of the most respected producers of white Burgundy, particularly known for its exceptional expressions of Chardonnay. Today, the domaine is managed by the third generation, with Jean-Claude and Noël Ramonet continuing the family’s tradition of meticulous vineyard management and winemaking.
The estate spans approximately 17 hectares, with holdings in some of the most prestigious appellations of Burgundy. Among its crown jewels are parcels in the famed Grand Cru vineyards of Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. In addition to these legendary sites, Domaine Ramonet also produces outstanding wines from Premier Cru and village-level vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, as well as a selection of high-quality red wines from Pinot Noir in Chassagne-Montrachet and the Côte de Beaune.
Vineyard practices at Domaine Ramonet emphasize respect for the land and traditional methods. The family employs lutte raisonnée, or ‘reasoned struggle,’ which involves minimal intervention and careful use of treatments to preserve the health of the vines and the integrity of the terroir. Harvesting is done by hand to ensure only the finest grapes are selected, and yields are kept low to concentrate flavor and complexity in the wines.
In the cellar, the approach is similarly focused on purity and elegance. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, with a judicious use of new oak to enhance, rather than dominate, the character of the wines. The whites are known for their remarkable balance, combining richness and depth with precision and minerality. They are celebrated for their aging potential, often developing greater complexity and nuance over many years. The reds, while produced in smaller quantities, exhibit finesse and structure, with vibrant fruit and earthy undertones.
Domaine Ramonet’s Montrachet is widely considered one of the pinnacle expressions of Chardonnay, offering a harmonious blend of power, intensity, and subtlety. The Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet bottlings also garner significant acclaim, each reflecting the unique attributes of their respective terroirs. Across the range, the wines are prized for their consistency, clarity of expression, and ability to capture the essence of Burgundy’s limestone soils.
The domaine’s reputation has been built on decades of dedication to quality and authenticity. Despite their international demand, the Ramonet family remains committed to tradition and hands-on involvement in every aspect of production. Their wines are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, often allocated through strict allocations due to limited production.
Domaine Ramonet stands as a benchmark for white Burgundy, offering wines that are both deeply rooted in tradition and expressive of their unique origins. Through careful stewardship of their vineyards and a steadfast commitment to excellence, the Ramonet family continues to shape the legacy of Burgundy’s great white wines.