Chassagne-Montrachet

But this is to do Chassagne a considerable disservice. The 180 hectares of vineyards of this Côte de Beaune appellation, situated between Santenay to the west and Puligny-Montrachet to the east, present to the white Burgundy lover a plethora of rich pickings – typically succulent, floral, nutty Chardonnays of surpassingly good quality and representing extremely good value to boot.

But it’s not all white. South of the village of Chassagne-Montrachet the soil is similar to that found in the Côte de Nuits and is particularly well suited to Pinot Noir. The reds here, red-fruited and seductively scented, are often extremely elegant, if somewhat tannic when young.