Les Caillerets 2016 – Domaine Ramonet

Overview

The Les Caillerets 2016 by Domaine Ramonet represents the pure essence of top-level Chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune: a Premier Cru combining elegance, power, and remarkable aromatic precision. Its refined, balanced structure places it as a powerful choice for collectors seeking complexity and for those who desire a wine with excellent aging potential. Contains sulfites.

History of the wine

The legacy of Les Caillerets is rooted in the long history of the Ramonet family, founded in the 1920s by Pierre Ramonet, a legendary figure in Burgundy. With the handover to Noël and Jean-Claude in the 1980s, the domaine reinforced its reputation through iconic parcels like Les Caillerets, known for producing wines of finesse and longevity. The 2016 vintage, born from a challenging yet characterful year, reflects this heritage of tradition and innovation.

Vineyard philosophy and varietals

This wine is crafted from 100% Chardonnay, grown on limestone-clay soils typical of Chassagne-Montrachet’s slopes. Old vines, low yields, and respectful viticulture bring out maximum minerality, freshness, and aromatic depth. The domaine’s philosophy is to let the terroir speak, with meticulous practices that ensure optimal grape maturity without forcing nature’s rhythms.

Winemaking approach

In the cellar, tradition reigns: fermentation in oak barrels with a balanced use of new and seasoned wood to harmonize fruit and structure. Extended aging on fine lees enhances complexity, depth, and long-term aging potential. Les Caillerets 2016 stands out for its ability to evolve gracefully, reaching its peak years after harvest and offering remarkable cellaring capacity.

Tasting notes

Color: bright golden, with clear luminous highlights.
Nose: complex and layered, with notes of honey, citrus, flint, and delicate earthy undertones.
Palate: elegant and vibrant, with fine acidity, medium-full body, and a long, mineral, refined finish.

Food pairings

This Premier Cru pairs beautifully with refined seafood: scallops, lobster, or turbot. It also enhances poultry in creamy sauces and soft cheeses from Burgundy. Its freshness and balance make it a perfect match for elegant, aromatic dishes.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru “Les Caillerets”

• Vintage: 2016

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay

• Classification: AOC Premier Cru

• Alcohol: 13–13.5% vol.

• Serving temperature: 11–13 °C

• Aging potential: up to 2040

• Contains sulfites

Domaine Ramonet

The history of Domaine Ramonet in Burgundy

Domaine Ramonet was founded in the 1930s by Pierre Ramonet, a visionary winemaker who purchased his first vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet. From those initial parcels began one of the most emblematic journeys of the Côte de Beaune, destined to mark the history of Burgundy. In 1978, the acquisition of a plot in Le Montrachet definitively established the estate among the greatest, making the Ramonet name synonymous with prestige. Today, Pierre’s grandsons, Jean-Claude and Noël, continue to cultivate this legacy with the same passion and respect for tradition, ensuring that the domaine remains a symbol of authenticity and terroir.

Vineyards and prestigious crus of Domaine Ramonet

The domaine extends over 17 hectares, spread across the most renowned villages of Burgundy, including Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin. Its heart lies in legendary Grand Cru vineyards such as Le Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet, alongside a wealth of Premier Cru sites like Les Ruchottes and Les Vergers. This mosaic of terroirs allows Domaine Ramonet to produce wines of exceptional complexity and precision, where every parcel contributes to an extraordinary expression of the Côte de Beaune.

Winemaking philosophy and cellar approach

At Domaine Ramonet, the philosophy is based on low yields, meticulous vineyard work and a deep respect for the natural environment. Manual harvesting ensures only the best grapes reach the cellar. Fermentation relies on native yeasts, while oak ageing is managed with balance, never overwhelming the purity of the fruit. White wines rest for long periods on fine lees, gaining depth and longevity, while reds are vinified with equal care to showcase the finesse of Chassagne-Montrachet. This artisanal yet precise approach reflects a constant search for harmony and terroir-driven character.

Style and longevity of Ramonet wines

The wines of Domaine Ramonet are celebrated worldwide for their freshness, minerality and refinement, as well as for their remarkable ageing potential. The great Chardonnays, particularly from Montrachet Grand Cru, are considered among the finest expressions of the variety, capable of evolving for decades while maintaining vibrancy and structure. The reds, often overlooked, reveal elegance and depth that reflect the same high standards. Each bottle signed Ramonet embodies the perfect balance between tradition, terroir and winemaking mastery, making the domaine a true reference point for Burgundy lovers and collectors.