Monthélie AOC

Viticulture in Monthélie traces back to around the year 1000, when monks from the Abbey of Cluny planted the first vines, though traces of human settlement extend to Gallo-Roman times. The village remained historically overshadowed by its celebrated neighbors throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, with wines frequently sold by négociants under the more prestigious Volnay or Pommard appellations. Monthélie gained independent AOC status on July 31, 1937, and Premier Cru designation was formally established on May 21, 1970. In 2006 the Premier Cru roster was extended from eleven to fifteen climats, with Les Clous, Le Clos des Toisières, Le Clou des Chênes, and La Barbière all receiving promotion. This late recognition paradoxically preserved the appellation's value reputation, drawing quality-focused producers who have steadily elevated its standing.

• Viticulture established around the year 1000 by monks from the Abbey of Cluny; Gallo-Roman settlement pre-dates the vineyard
• Wines historically sold under Volnay or Pommard labels until Monthélie received independent AOC status on July 31, 1937
• Premier Cru classification established May 21, 1970; expanded from 11 to 15 climats in 2006 when four lieux-dits were promoted

Monthélie occupies a hillside position on the Côte de Beaune, with vineyards stretching from 230 to 370 metres in elevation. The village is the smallest on the Côte de Beaune, bordered by Volnay to the northeast, Meursault to the south, and Auxey-Duresses to the west. Exposures on the main Volnay-facing slopes are predominantly south and southeast, producing the consistent phenolic ripeness required in this continental climate. Soils on these slopes are Bathonian gravelly limestone covered with red clay and marl. On the Auxey-Duresses valley side, soils transition to Argovien limestone with east or west exposures depending on the slope. The 15 Premier Cru sites are concentrated on the steeper south and east-facing slopes immediately east of the village, extending the lineup of Volnay Premier Crus.

• Elevation 230 to 370 metres; south and southeast exposures dominate the main Volnay-facing hillside; Premier Cru sites concentrated on the steeper east-facing slopes
• Bathonian gravelly limestone with red clay and marl on the main slopes; Argovien limestone with varied exposures on the Auxey-Duresses valley side
• Smallest village on the Côte de Beaune; Premier Cru vineyards east of the village are a direct extension of Volnay Premier Cru Clos des Chênes

Pinot Noir dominates production, accounting for roughly 85 percent of the appellation's planted area. Village-level reds express silky, medium-bodied profiles with red cherry, raspberry, violet, and subtle spice, often compared to Volnay in elegance while carrying a touch more body. AOC regulations permit up to 15 percent of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris as accessory grapes in red wines, though this is rarely practiced. Chardonnay, used exclusively for whites, yields dry, mineral-driven wines with aromas of white flowers, hawthorn, green apple, and fresh hazelnut. Whites may also use Pinot Blanc, though virtually all production is 100 percent Chardonnay. Premier Cru reds can benefit from 8 to 10 years of cellaring; village reds typically drink well from 4 to 7 years; whites are generally best within 4 to 6 years.

• Pinot Noir dominates (around 85% of production): medium body, silky tannins, red cherry and violet character; often compared to Volnay in elegance
• Chardonnay (around 15%): dry, mineral-driven, white flowers, hawthorn, green apple, fresh hazelnut; Pinot Blanc permitted but virtually unused
• Up to 15% accessory grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris) permitted in reds but rarely used in practice
• Village reds minimum 10.5% ABV; Premier Cru reds and village whites minimum 11%; Premier Cru whites minimum 11.5%

The Garaudet family is central to Monthélie's identity across two generations. Paul Garaudet, 4th-generation vigneron and former president of the Monthélie growers syndicate, farms 10.5 hectares across Monthélie, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet, with Premier Cru parcels including Le Meix Bataille. His son Florent founded Domaine Florent Garaudet independently in 2008 and, when Paul retired in 2020, absorbed the family holdings, bringing his total to 11.5 hectares, including Premier Cru parcels such as La Taupine and Les Riottes. Domaine Eric de Suremain operates from Château de Monthelie, a 10.5-hectare estate established in 1746 and farmed biodynamically since 1996, producing village and Premier Cru reds including Sur la Velle. Domaine Laurent and Karen Boussey, formerly known as Domaine Denis Boussey, is a five-generation family estate of 15 hectares producing Monthélie village and Premier Cru wines including Les Champs Fulliots and Les Hauts Brins.

• Domaine Paul Garaudet: 4th-generation, 10.5-hectare estate; Paul served as president of the Monthélie growers syndicate; Premier Cru holdings include Le Meix Bataille
• Domaine Florent Garaudet: founded 2008 by Paul's son; expanded to 11.5 hectares on Paul's 2020 retirement; Premier Cru La Taupine and Les Riottes
• Domaine Eric de Suremain: Château de Monthelie, established 1746; certified biodynamic since 1996; village and Premier Cru Sur la Velle reds
• Domaine Laurent & Karen Boussey (formerly Denis Boussey): 5-generation, 15-hectare estate; Premier Cru Les Champs Fulliots and Les Hauts Brins

Monthélie is a communal (village-level) AOC with no Grand Cru vineyards. The appellation was established on July 31, 1937, and its Premier Cru classification was last formally updated on May 21, 1970, with four additional climats elevated in 2006. There are 15 Premier Cru climats in total, located either close to the Auxey-Duresses border or on the east-facing slopes near Volnay. The principal Premier Crus are Les Champs Fulliots, Sur la Velle, Le Meix Bataille, Les Duresses, Le Château Gaillard, Le Clos Gauthey, La Taupine, and Les Riottes. The permitted base yield is 40 hl/ha for reds and 45 hl/ha for whites. Minimum natural alcohol is 10.5 percent for village reds, 11 percent for village whites and Premier Cru reds, and 11.5 percent for Premier Cru whites. Reds must be made from Pinot Noir, with up to 15 percent accessory grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris) permitted. Whites are produced from Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc.

• Communal AOC established July 31, 1937; Premier Cru classification updated May 21, 1970; 4 additional climats promoted in 2006; no Grand Crus
• 15 Premier Cru climats; 9 located east of the village on Volnay-facing slopes, the rest near the Auxey-Duresses border
• Yields: 40 hl/ha reds, 45 hl/ha whites; alcohol minimums: 10.5% village reds, 11% Premier Cru reds and village whites, 11.5% Premier Cru whites
• Reds = Pinot Noir, up to 15% accessory grapes permitted but rare; whites = Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc, virtually always 100% Chardonnay

Monthélie is one of the smallest villages on the Côte de Beaune, with around 200 inhabitants, sitting between Volnay and Meursault and easily reached from Beaune. The village retains an authentic, unvarnished character rarely found in the more commercially visited appellations nearby. A Romanesque church built in the late 12th century and the Château de Monthelie, constructed around 1746 and home to Domaine Eric de Suremain, are the principal architectural landmarks. Most producers welcome visitors by appointment, and many smaller growers prefer reserved tastings. The proximity to Auxey-Duresses, Volnay, and Meursault makes Monthélie a natural stop on any Côte de Beaune touring itinerary, while the harvest period in September brings the village its most animated atmosphere.

• One of the smallest villages on the Côte de Beaune, with around 200 inhabitants; situated between Volnay and Meursault
• Key landmarks: late 12th-century Romanesque church and Château de Monthelie (built 1746), home of Domaine Eric de Suremain
• Producer visits by appointment; September harvest season offers the most vibrant village atmosphere
• Natural stop on any Côte de Beaune circuit, adjacent to Auxey-Duresses, Volnay, and Meursault