Xavier Monnot is a leading producer in Meursault whose winemaking style emphasizes purity of fruit, elegance, and complexity. Prior to the release of the 2005 vintage, the property was known as Domaine René Monnier (Xavier's grandfather). In 2005, along with improvements in the vineyard and cellar, Xavier began bottling his wines under his own label. This estate boasts extensive holdings in both red and white. Monnot is an avowed devotee of the pleasures of the table, and the wines are made in their maker's image: gourmand, charming and expressive, privileging pleasure above all else.
Domaine Xavier Monnot is a 42 acre estate in Meursault with vineyards stretching from Beaune to Maranges. 60% of the Domaine's production is white and 40% red with several premier crus in Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Beaune, Volnay, and Maranges. Xavier believes in maintaining an average vine age of 30 to 40 years and practices lutte raisonnée (“reasoned struggle”).
After hand-harvesting, Chardonnay is lightly crushed by foot before pressing. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in barrels using indigenous yeasts. During barrel aging, the wines undergo full malolactic fermentation and bâtonnage occurs at the end of the alcoholic fermentation. Pinot Noir is usually destemmed, except in warmer years when up to 20% of stems may be included, and native yeasts are used for primary fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. After four to five days of cold maceration, Xavier uses a combination of pump-over and punch-down for extraction. After pressing, the wines are transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation for 12 to 14 months. Regional-level wines receive 15-20% percent new oak, village-level wines receive 25% new, and premier crus 30-35% percent.
Chardonnay Les Grandes Coutures is from three plots bordering Meursault with vine ages from 15 to 51 years. Soils are predominantly argile (clay), bringing weight and texture to this Bourgogne Blanc. The wine was aged from 12 to 14 months in 15-20% percent new French Oak.
