Team C&J
The wines of Domaine Montanet-Thoden are icons in the making, just ask Kermit Lynch, who imported this wine. From the moment we opened winemaker Valentin Montanet’s 2020 Montanet-Thoden ‘Galerne’ Bourgogne Vézelay Blanc, we knew we were in for a real treat. Crafted with minimal intervention, this wine has a palate that feels pure, elegant, and perfectly reflects Burgundy’s unique terroir. After that first sip, you will understand why the white Burgundy’s of Vézelay are known for showing off Chardonnay’s incredible range.
If you’re a fan of wines from Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, or Chassagne-Montrachet, prepare to be impressed. While Vézelay may lack the name pizazz that comes with those three powerhouse regions, the wineries here deliver incredible value for the quality.
In 1987, the father and daughter team of Jean and Catherine Montanet planted a vineyard that would ultimately become Domaine de la Cadette. The winery produced its first vintage in 1990, but about a decade after that inaugural release Catherine realized that one part of the vineyard was distinct from the other. That realization would lead to the creation of an entirely new brand, Domaine Montanet-Thoden.
The wines of Domaine Montanet-Thoden fit in perfectly with the Kermit Lynch wine portfolio. The 8 hectares of vines are certified organic, and the process of organic farming is overseen by Catherine’s son, winemaker Valentin Montanet. If you aren’t familiar with the style of wines Kermit is famous for “discovering”, and introducing to American audiences, nearly all of his wines are family-owned, and most are multi-generational vignerons.
Valentin has been the head winemaker at Domaine Montanet-Thoden for a decade – he formally took the reins in 2013. Natural winemaking practices are at the core of Valentin’s wine, an approach he learned from his parents, who were also both vintners.
Like all winemakers in cool climate growing regions, one of the biggest struggles that winemakers in Burgundy must wrestle with is whether or not their grapes will ripen sufficiently in any given growing season. Some winemakers solve this issue through chaptalization, which is the process of adding sugar to unfermented grape juice or must to increase the alcohol content after fermentation.
While chaptalization is common in Burgundy, Valentin does not embrace this approach. Instead, he lets his wines express their natural characteristics, and sometimes this might be embracing a cooler vintage with a lighter structure and lower alcohol level.
Other tenants followed by Valentin Montanet include:
Under Valentin’s guidance, the estate continues to impress with its mineral-driven Chardonnays.
It’s worth noting that Valentin is also the winemaker for his mother’s other winery, Domaine de la Cadette.
Vézelay is one of 44 village appellations in Burgundy. This Burgundian AOC is on the newer side, and was officially recognized in 2017. The Chardonnays produced in Vézelay are distinct. The soil here is Kimmeridgian marl, and its similarities with that of Chablis give these wines a distinct minerality that wine lovers can’t get enough of.
The region’s elevation allows for a long growing season that preserves the grape’s acidity as they slowly ripen in the sun. Many of the producers in Vézelay, like Domaine Montanet-Thoden, practice organic and biodynamic farming methods.
The 2020 Montanet-Thoden ‘Galerne’ Bourgogne Vézelay Blanc is a captivating golden hue in the glass, and entices with ripe melon, peach, and zesty lemon aromas. Fermentation takes place entirely in stainless steel, and the result is a vibrant palate of apple, pear, and lemon flavors, with lively acidity and a hint of floral sweetness.
The finish is long and satisfying. We imagine sipping this with our favorite seafood pairings, or a light summer meal. The crispness and versatility of this Chardonnay from winemaker Valentin Montanet captures the essence of Vézelay without flowery frills, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for lovers of finely crafted white Burgundy.
The wines of Domaine Montanet-Thoden serve as a testament to the quality and value inherent in Vézelay’s winemaking traditions. Priced at only $38 a bottle, this Chardonnay stands out for authenticity and craftsmanship, offering a remarkable tasting experience for white Burgundy enthusiasts. With its captivating aromas, lively palate, and enduring finish, it is a testament to winemaker Valentin Montanet’s dedication to natural winemaking practices. We think you will love indulging in this exceptional bottle from the Kermit Lynch portfolio.
France
Burgundy
Chardonnay
14.1
Valintin Montanet
49–55°F / 9–12°C
Chardonnay
N/A
Now to 2030
Domaine Montanet-Thoden
All things wine, and food you could ever need or want — straight to your email!
