From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: The 2013 Agnès Paquet Chassagne-Montrachet Les Battaudes presents a beautiful light gold hue in the glass. On the nose, it exhibits an enticing mix of white flowers, ripe citrus fruit, such as tangerine and lemon zest, and a nutty character, supported by a pronounced flint-like minerality. As the wine opens up, delicate notes of lime blossom, orange oil, and sea spray emerge, with a subtle hint of oak in the background. On the palate, the Chardonnay is rich and round, offering a fleshy, textured mouthfeel that is perfectly balanced by a keen acidic backbone. Flavors of tangerine, Bosc pear, and toasted brioche coat the palate in broad, expressive strokes. The wine's minerality shines through, complemented by notes of lemon curd, orange oil, and a touch of stone. The finish is long, persistent, and layered, displaying an impressive depth of flavor and an expansive mouthfeel that contribute to the wine's overall elegance and vivacity.
Pairing: The 2013 Agnès Paquet Chassagne-Montrachet Les Battaudes pairs beautifully with dishes that feature rich, creamy textures and delicate flavors. It is versatile enough to complement seafood, poultry, and vegetable-based dishes.
In line with its Burgundian origins, this Chardonnay would be an excellent match for traditional dishes from the region, such as Coq au Vin Blanc, prepared with a white wine sauce instead of the classic red, or a delicate fish dish like Sole Meunière (check out the recipe below), with its buttery lemon and caper sauce.
Vegetarian options that would pair well with the 2013 Les Battaudes include a creamy mushroom risotto, which would complement the wine's richness and nutty character; a cauliflower gratin with Gruyère cheese, which would highlight the wine's minerality and acidity; or a butternut squash and sage ravioli, where the earthy, slightly sweet flavors of the squash would harmonize with the wine's citrus and stone fruit notes.
Sole Meunière
By Melissa Clark
About. Agnès Paquet, a passionate winemaker and a darling of France's Michelin Star sommeliers, has crafted an exquisite Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc in the 2013 Les Battaudes. Born out of her desire to preserve her family's vineyards in Auxey Duresses, Agnès has expanded her holdings over the years, including vineyards in St Aubin and Chassagne Montrachet. Her recently renovated cellars showcase her dedication to elegance, minerality, and refinement, with new oak used sparingly and wines bottled unrefined and unfiltered.
Situated in the remote village of Meloisey, in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, the Paquet family estate boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1950s. Agnès, a hands-on winemaker, oversees every aspect of the process, from vine to bottle. Her micro-production and commitment to quality have earned her a revered place among France's top sommeliers, including those at the restaurants of Alain Ducasse, Anne-Sophie Pic, and Joël Robuchon.
The 2013 Agnès Paquet Chassagne-Montrachet Les Battaudes is a strikingly light gold in the glass. Made from 100% Chardonnay, this wine presents a complex bouquet of white flowers, ripe citrus fruit, nuttiness, and a flint-like minerality that lingers. Rich and round, its fleshy texture is balanced by a keen acidic backbone, with flavors of tangerine, Bosc pear, and toast enveloping the palate.
Les Battaudes originates from a lieu-dit beneath the Morgeots premier cru, with 20-year-old vines planted in limestone clay soils and farmed organically. The cool-toned and perfumed nose offers notes of lime blossom, orange oil, sea spray, and a hint of oak. The mid-weight palate is racy and vibrant, boasting flavors of stone, lemon curd, and orange oil that persist through a layered finish.
Ideal pairings for this elegant Chassagne-Montrachet include soft-shelled crab or a fresh spring vegetable risotto. The 2013 vintage underwent alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation in barrels, and maturation for 12 months, followed by four months in vats before bottling. This vinification process allows the wine to showcase the best of Burgundian terroir, with a focus on freshness and depth of flavor.
Located in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, Chassagne-Montrachet is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir-based wines. With soils rich in limestone and a continental climate marked by warm summers and cool, extended winters, the region produces some of the world's most esteemed Chardonnays. The 2013 Agnès Paquet Chassagne-Montrachet Les Battaudes is no exception, offering a remarkable combination of elegance and vivacity that will delight both casual wine enthusiasts and discerning connoisseurs alike.