Ramonet Ruchottes 2018

Les Grandes Ruchottesis a Premier Cru vineyard within the Chassagne-Montrachet commune in Burgundy. Like many of the climats in its immediate vicinity, it is planted to Chardonnay, making a rich, rounded white wine.

The 2.1 hectare (5.2 acre) vineyard lies in the center of the line of Premier Cru vineyards that stretch along the Côte d’Or slope in the Chassagne-Montrachet commune. It lies a little way south of the village itself, and up the slope a way, its top edge reaching about 280m (920ft) above sea level.

Cailleret lies a little way to the north, while the scrubby vegetation that covers the top of the hill forms Les Grandes Ruchottes’ western edge. The small La Grande Montagne and larger En Virondot lieu-dits are set in the scrubland above. Les Fairandes and Les Petits Clos are on the slope below.

High on the hillside, the soil here is thin and stony, made up of Bathonian limestone. The chalk-clay marl topsoil encourages deep root growth, bringing concentration and minerality.

Les Grandes Ruchottes has quite a steep slope, particularly in the context of Chassagne-Montrachet, and the vines benefit from an exposure toward the morning sunshine.

Les Grandes Ruchottes is technically a sub-division of the La Grand Montagne climat, so its wines are also permitted to claim the “Grande Montagne” name on labels.