Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Referts'

Les Referts is a Premier Cru climat within the Puligny-Montrachet appellation in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. It lies on the southern side of the village of Puligny-Montrachet, close to the boundary with Meursault. Its vines sit lower on the slope than Puligny’s best-known grand cru sites, yet retain favourable east- to south-east-facing exposure in a temperate continental climate. Spring frost, hail and the contrast between warm and cool vintages remain important influences.

Its soils are based on limestone and calcareous clay, with, in places, rather more clay than the stonier higher sections of Puligny. This commonly gives Les Referts a broader, more supple texture than the most tightly chiselled, overtly mineral Puligny wines. Limestone nevertheless provides freshness, line and a stony, sometimes saline character. Its position beside Meursault helps explain why the wines can unite Puligny’s precision with a touch of Meursault-like generosity.

Chardonnay is the key grape and is responsible for virtually all of the white Les Referts sought by collectors. Wines are usually raised in oak barrels, though the proportion of new oak, length of élevage and overall style depend greatly on the producer. Producers associated with this vineyard include Domaine Marc Morey & Fils, Etienne Sauzet, Louis Carillon et Fils, Vincent Girardin, Jean-Philippe Fichet, Louis Jadot and Domaine Faiveley. Fine examples suggest citrus, white peach, pear, white flowers, hazelnut and chalk; bottle age can bring butter, honey, toast and earthy mushroom notes.

Premier Cru denotes a defined, recognised quality level within Puligny-Montrachet. Les Referts may appear on a label only when grapes come from this delimited climat and the wine meets the appellation rules. The finest bottles marry concentration to lively acidity and will generally evolve well for five to ten years, sometimes longer. When young, serve them not too cold, allowing both texture and discreet mineral detail to show.