Montrachet 2016 – Domaine Ramonet

Overview

The Montrachet 2016 from Domaine Ramonet is one of the finest expressions of Chardonnay in Burgundy, a Grand Cru that combines power, depth, and remarkable elegance. The 2016 vintage was marked by challenging weather conditions, yet meticulous vineyard care and strict grape selection yielded a wine of rare precision. Distinguished by mineral tension, balance, and persistence, this Montrachet stands as an absolute benchmark. Contains sulfites.

History of the wine

Montrachet is regarded as the crown jewel of Burgundy’s Grand Cru whites, a name synonymous with perfection. The Ramonet family, guardians of these prestigious vineyards for generations, has refined a winemaking philosophy that balances tradition and contemporary sensibility. Despite the difficulties of the 2016 season, the Domaine transformed challenges into opportunities, crafting a legendary wine.

Vineyard philosophy and varietals

The Chardonnay grapes for Montrachet 2016 come from Grand Cru plots rooted in calcareous-clay soils with excellent drainage and ideal microclimate. Ramonet works with limited yields to preserve concentration and aromatic purity, applying sustainable practices that respect the land. Hand harvesting ensures that only the finest bunches are selected, upholding the estate’s uncompromising quality standards.

Winemaking approach

In the cellar, Montrachet 2016 undergoes fermentation in French oak barrels and is aged on fine lees. Regular batonnage enhances texture and complexity, while moderate use of new oak preserves the balance of freshness, minerality, and roundness. The goal is to respect the terroir’s integrity and guide the wine toward its fullest expression without overshadowing its natural character.

Tasting notes

Color: luminous golden yellow with green highlights, bright and crystalline.
Nose: elegant bouquet of ripe citrus, yellow apple, white flowers, fresh butter, and mineral undertones.
Palate: broad and structured, with vibrant acidity, silky texture, and a long, deep, saline finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Food pairings

Best enjoyed with fine cuisine: lobster, crayfish, noble fish, foie gras, refined poultry, and aged cheeses. Also perfect as a contemplative wine, offering emotion sip after sip.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Montrachet Grand Cru

• Vintage: 2016

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay

• Classification: AOC Grand Cru

• Alcohol: 13% vol.

• Serving temperature: 12–14 °C

• Aging potential: 20–30 years

• 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.