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Les Brussonnes

lay broo-SON

Les Brussonnes is a Premier Cru climat in Chassagne-Montrachet producing both red and white Burgundy of notable character. Situated at the base of the slope within the broader Morgeot appellation, its clay-limestone soils yield reds with ripe red fruit and silky tannins alongside opulent, richly complex whites. Domaine Simon Colin, Thomas Morey, and Fontaine-Gagnard are among its noted producers.

Key Facts
  • Premier Cru classification within Chassagne-Montrachet, one of 55 in the appellation
  • Located at the southern end of the village, at the base of the slope
  • Part of the larger Morgeot appellation, composed of seven lieux-dits
  • South-facing aspect at elevations within the 220-325 m Chassagne-Montrachet range
  • Clay-limestone marl and dense clay soils
  • Both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown here
  • Documented parcel of 0.23 ha held by Domaine Simon Colin

📍Location and Setting

Les Brussonnes sits at the southern end of Chassagne-Montrachet, positioned at the base of the slope where the vineyards of the village give way to the broader Morgeot cluster. This cluster, one of the most storied in the appellation, is composed of seven individual lieux-dits, and Les Brussonnes forms one constituent part of that larger geographic identity. The south-facing aspect provides generous sun exposure across the growing season, a key factor in ripening both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this continental climate defined by warm, dry summers and cool winters.

  • Southern end of Chassagne-Montrachet village, at the base of the slope
  • One of seven lieux-dits within the Morgeot Premier Cru grouping
  • South-facing orientation maximizes sun exposure
  • Continental climate with warm dry summers supporting full ripening

🪨Soils and Terroir

The soils of Les Brussonnes reflect the broader terroir of the lower slopes in Chassagne-Montrachet, where clay-limestone marl dominates and dense clay content is pronounced. This heavier soil profile at the base of the slope tends to retain more moisture than the lighter, rockier soils found higher up the hillside. The density of the clay contributes to wines with weight and texture, supporting the opulence associated with whites from this area and the structured fruit profile seen in the reds. The limestone component provides the mineral framework fundamental to Premier Cru Burgundy character.

  • Clay-limestone marl is the primary soil type
  • Dense clay content distinguishes base-of-slope parcels from higher positions
  • Limestone underpinning contributes to mineral structure in both red and white wines
  • Moisture retention from clay soils supports consistent ripening
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🍷Wines and Style

Les Brussonnes produces both red and white wines, a duality that reflects the broader character of Chassagne-Montrachet, an appellation historically associated with red wine production before Chardonnay came to define its modern reputation. The reds from this climat are medium-bodied, displaying ripe red fruits, silky tannins, and a spicy finish, qualities consistent with well-sited Pinot Noir on clay-heavy soils. The whites are described as opulent, with rich complexity, a profile that aligns with the fuller-bodied style that base-of-slope clay soils tend to produce compared to the more precise, linear whites from mid-slope positions.

  • Reds: medium-bodied, ripe red fruits, silky tannins, spicy finish
  • Whites: opulent, richly complex, full-textured style
  • Both varieties classified as Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru
  • Historical red wine production at this site predates the modern dominance of Chardonnay
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🏡Notable Producers

Given the small documented parcel size of 0.23 hectares for Domaine Simon Colin alone, Les Brussonnes is a micro-climat by Burgundy standards, with production spread across a handful of growers. Domaine Simon Colin is among the most specifically documented holders of vines here. Domaine Thomas Morey, a producer with strong roots in Chassagne-Montrachet, also works this climat. Céline Fontaine of Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard, one of the estate's notable figures, rounds out the group of producers bringing Les Brussonnes to market. All three are respected names within the appellation and offer reliable access to this rarely seen lieu-dit.

  • Domaine Simon Colin: documented 0.23 ha parcel, one of the primary holders
  • Domaine Thomas Morey: established Chassagne-Montrachet producer with vines here
  • Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard: Céline Fontaine works this climat
  • Small overall production makes Les Brussonnes wines relatively scarce in the market
Flavor Profile

Reds show ripe red fruit (cherry, raspberry), silky tannins, and a spicy finish with medium body. Whites are opulent and richly complex, with the full texture typical of base-of-slope clay soils in Chassagne-Montrachet, balanced by limestone-driven minerality.

Food Pairings
WhiteWhiteWhiteRedRedRed
Wines to Try
  • Domaine Simon Colin Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Brussonnes$60-90
    Primary documented holder of vines in Les Brussonnes; offers direct expression of this rare clay-limestone terroir.Find →
  • Domaine Thomas Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Brussonnes$65-95
    Established Chassagne-Montrachet grower producing structured, terroir-faithful wines from this southern-end climat.Find →
  • Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Brussonnes$70-100
    Céline Fontaine's precise winemaking highlights the opulent, richly complex white wine potential of this lieu-dit.Find →
How to Say It
Les Brussonneslay broo-SON
Morgeotmor-ZHOH
Chassagne-Montrachetsha-SAN-yuh mon-ra-SHAY
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Les Brussonnes is one of 55 Premier Cru climats in Chassagne-Montrachet, located at the southern end of the village at the base of the slope
  • It is part of the Morgeot appellation grouping, which is composed of seven individual lieux-dits
  • Both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown here; Chassagne-Montrachet historically produced significant red wine before Chardonnay dominated
  • Clay-limestone marl soils at the base of the slope produce opulent whites and medium-bodied reds with silky tannins
  • Key producers include Domaine Simon Colin, Domaine Thomas Morey, and Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard