Domaine Renè Monnier

Burgundy is larger than life. The French wine region has reached legendary status, and the Côte d’Or’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are worthy of any wine collection. Amongst the most acclaimed Domaines, you’ll find Renè Monnier.

What makes Burgundy so unique is its history, going back to the Cistercian Monks tending the vines centuries ago. It is ultimately the people, family-owned wineries, who carry Burgundy’s prestige on their backs. 

The Monnier family has tended 18 hectares of vines at the heart of Meursault since 1723. Both their elegant Chardonnay and luscious Pinot are amongst the most exclusive in the Côte.

Domaine Monnier might be based in the Chardonnay-specialised region of Meursault, in the Côte de Beaune, where many of its finest wines are sourced. Still, the estate also makes wine in Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, Pommard and Santenay.

About Renè Monnier’s wines

The Monnier family knows the Côte like the back of their hand, and they’ve mastered the art of pampering Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes in diverse microclimates for astounding results.

You’ll never find excessive use of oak ageing in Monnier’s wine; they’ll only use between 20 and 35 percent new barrels every vintage. They’re all about the terroir. The red grapes are 100% destemmed with aims at exceptionally low yields going down to 35 hectolitres per hectare.

You can pick Monnier’s wines with your eyes closed; their regional-level Bourgogne is already a thing of beauty. It is their Premier Crus, though, which gain a contemplative status — the Meursault Le Limozin is delightful, and the commune level Chassagne-Montrachet is nicely balanced between white fruit and minerality.

Red wines are not to be underestimated. Monnier’s Pommard Les Vignots is outstanding, and there are few better Beaune Pinots than the 1er Cru Les Toussaints. Tart cherries and undergrowth dominate the nose, while the palate is as smooth as silk.

This is Burgundian wine of the highest level.