Les Macherelles

Les Macherelles sits on the low-lying slopes to the southeast of Chassagne-Montrachet village, placing it in prestigious company. Its position near the Grand Cru vineyards of Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet speaks to the quality of this particular stretch of the Côte de Beaune. The vineyard spans 5 hectares across an east to southeast-facing slope, a classic orientation in Burgundy that captures morning sun and provides measured afternoon warmth across the continental climate of the region.

• Southeast of Chassagne-Montrachet village on gentle, low-lying slopes
• Neighboring Grand Crus include Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet
• East to southeast aspect maximizes beneficial morning sun exposure
• Continental climate typical of the Côte de Beaune

The soils at Les Macherelles are a defining feature of the vineyard. Clay-chalk and clay-limestone dominate, with notable iron content that gives the earth a characteristic reddish coloring. White marls and rocky limestone outcrops add further textural and mineral complexity to the profile. This combination of calcareous and iron-rich material is well-suited to Chardonnay, contributing to the mineral finesse and structural backbone for which the appellation is known. The reddish iron-bearing soils also support quality Pinot Noir production within the climat.

• Clay-chalk and clay-limestone base with iron-rich, reddish coloring
• White marls and rocky limestone provide drainage and mineral complexity
• Iron content differentiates Les Macherelles within Chassagne's soil mosaic
• Soil profile supports both white and red wine production

The name Les Macherelles traces back to a plant from the valerian family that historically colonized the plot. This kind of botanical naming is common across Burgundy, where lieu-dit names often reflect the natural vegetation or physical character of a site before viticulture took hold. The vineyard has long been part of the broader Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru landscape, benefiting from the commune's reputation built on some of Burgundy's finest white wines.

• Name derived from a valerian family plant historically found on the site
• Botanical naming conventions are common across Burgundy's lieux-dits
• Part of the established Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru classification

Les Macherelles produces white wines that display elegant mineral finesse alongside floral and complex aromatic profiles, consistent with the refined style associated with Chassagne-Montrachet's premier cru whites. The vineyard's proximity to the Grand Crus lends an aspirational quality to the wines, which show the limestone-driven tension characteristic of the appellation. Notable producers working the vineyard include Domaine François Carillon, Jean-Marc Pillot, Jean-Claude Bachelet et Fils, Domaine Hubert Lamy, Domaine Guy Amiot, Bouchard Aîné et Fils, and Antonin Rodet. This range of estates, from small domaines to négociants, reflects the vineyard's established standing within the Chassagne-Montrachet hierarchy.

• White wines show mineral finesse, floral aromatics, and refinement
• Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir permitted under the Premier Cru AOP
• Producers range from small family domaines to established négociants
• Style is consistent with the elegant, mineral-driven character of Chassagne Premier Crus