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Francemont

frahnce-MOH

Francemont is a Premier Cru climat in Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, with southeast to south-facing slopes at 220-325m. One of 55 Premier Cru sites in the appellation, it sits near the Santenay border and is often bottled under the Morgeot umbrella, though producers like Bruno Colin and Damien Colin release it separately.

Key Facts
  • Premier Cru climat within Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune
  • Elevation ranges from 220 to 325 metres
  • Southeast to south-facing aspect
  • Soils of limestone marl, red gravel, and chalky stony material
  • Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted
  • Located near the border with Santenay, on the southern end of the appellation
  • Frequently blended and sold under the Morgeot Premier Cru umbrella title

📍Location and Classification

Francemont is one of 55 Premier Cru climats in Chassagne-Montrachet, sitting on the southern reaches of the appellation close to the border with Santenay. This positioning gives it a character that bridges the two communes, with a continental climate marked by warm, dry summers and cool, extended winters. The elevation spans 220 to 325 metres, and the aspect runs from southeast to south-facing, ensuring good sun exposure throughout the growing season.

  • One of 55 Premier Cru sites in Chassagne-Montrachet
  • Borders Santenay to the south
  • Continental climate with warm dry summers
  • Elevation: 220-325 metres

🪨Soils and Terroir

The soils at Francemont reflect the broader geological complexity of Chassagne-Montrachet. Limestone marl forms the backbone, complemented by red gravel and chalky, stony material. This combination delivers good drainage and mineral tension to the wines, while the gravel component adds warmth during the growing season. The chalky elements are a common thread across many of the appellation's most expressive white wine sites.

  • Limestone marl provides structure and mineral character
  • Red gravel adds warmth and drainage
  • Chalky, stony soils contribute freshness and finesse
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🍷Wines and Producers

Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are cultivated at Francemont, though white wines dominate production across Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru as a whole. The wines are described as elegant and refined, with mineral character and citrus notes at the core. A common practice is to blend Francemont fruit into the broader Morgeot Premier Cru, one of the appellation's most recognized umbrella titles. However, a handful of producers choose to bottle Francemont as a single-climat wine, offering a more precise expression of the site. Bruno Colin, Armand Heitz, and Damien Colin are among those working with fruit from this climat.

  • Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are both grown here
  • Often sold under the Morgeot Premier Cru umbrella label
  • Notable producers include Bruno Colin, Armand Heitz, and Damien Colin
  • Single-climat bottlings offer the clearest site expression
Flavor Profile

Elegant and light-bodied with a mineral backbone, citrus fruit, and chalky texture. White wines from Francemont tend toward refinement rather than power, with clean acidity and a stony finish typical of Chassagne's southern Premier Crus.

Food Pairings
Grilled sea bass with lemon butterRoast chicken with tarragon cream sauceBurgundy-style escargot with garlic and parsleyAged Comté or GruyèrePan-seared scallops with cauliflower puréeVeal blanquette with mushrooms
Wines to Try
  • Bruno Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Francemont$70-90
    Bruno Colin is one of the few producers to bottle Francemont as a standalone climat, offering a precise site expression.Find →
  • Damien Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Francemont$65-85
    Damien Colin crafts a mineral-driven single-climat bottling that shows Francemont's chalky, refined character clearly.Find →
  • Armand Heitz Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Francemont$60-80
    Armand Heitz brings a precise, low-intervention approach to this southern Chassagne Premier Cru site.Find →
How to Say It
Francemontfrahnce-MOH
Chassagne-Montrachetsha-SAN-yuh mon-ra-SHAY
Morgeotmor-ZHOH
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Francemont is one of 55 Premier Cru climats in Chassagne-Montrachet, located near the southern border with Santenay.
  • Soils combine limestone marl, red gravel, and chalky stony material; elevation is 220-325 metres with southeast to south-facing aspect.
  • Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are permitted, though white wine dominates Premier Cru production in the appellation.
  • Francemont fruit is commonly blended under the Morgeot umbrella title; single-climat bottlings are produced by Bruno Colin and Damien Colin among others.
  • The continental climate features warm dry summers and cool extended winters, typical of the Côte de Beaune.