Michel Gayot Puligny-Montrachet 2023 is an expressive and elegant white Burgundy made from 100% Chardonnay, combining aromatic complexity with the mineral precision associated with this celebrated Côte de Beaune appellation. Delicate notes of almond, hazelnut and lemongrass lead to a concentrated yet harmonious palate, where freshness and a rounded texture are beautifully balanced. A long, pure finish completes a wine that demonstrates the character of Puligny-Montrachet and the careful use of French oak.
 
Michel Gayot comes from a family with deep roots in Burgundy's vineyards, having grown up surrounded by vines and traditional viticulture. After studying management and gaining experience in the wine trade in France and internationally, he acquired his own vineyard interests in Burgundy while continuing his involvement with the family estate in Beaujolais. His approach centres on respecting the vineyard and allowing each wine to express its origins, seeking mineral definition and precision in his white wines alongside delicacy and finesse in his reds.
 
Puligny-Montrachet lies in the southern Côte de Beaune, between the renowned villages of Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet. For this wine, Chardonnay grapes are sourced from a carefully selected vineyard parcel through a long-standing partnership with an established Puligny-Montrachet estate. The vineyard's clay-limestone soils, rich in limestone and chalk, provide the conditions associated with the appellation's distinctive mineral character and structure. The vines are cultivated using traditional methods, with careful attention to the environment, and the grapes are harvested by hand once optimum maturity has been reached.
 
In the cellar, Michel Gayot favours a restrained approach to winemaking, allowing the quality of the fruit and its terroir to remain central. Following a cool, natural settling period of 24 to 48 hours, fermentation takes place with a proportion of indigenous yeasts. The wine undergoes malolactic conversion in French oak barrels, contributing a softer, rounder texture and additional complexity. It is then matured for 12 months in traditional 228-litre French oak barriques, with just 10–20% new oak, providing a measured influence that supports rather than dominates the Chardonnay.
 
The 2023 growing season in Burgundy benefited from a favourable spring, a warm summer with cooler nights and moderate rainfall, helping the grapes develop ripeness while retaining freshness. Michel Gayot Puligny-Montrachet 2023 reflects these conditions through its expressive aromatics, concentrated mineral palate and finely balanced structure. It is an appealing choice for those seeking a classic white Burgundy with depth, elegance and carefully integrated oak.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Nose: Expressive aromas of almond, hazelnut and lemongrass, offering an attractive combination of nutty richness and citrus freshness.
Palate: Concentrated, mineral and harmonious, with a rounded texture balanced by freshness and elegant structure.
Finish: Long and pure, with lingering mineral character.
 
Serving Recommendation & Food Pairing:
 
Serve at approximately 11–13°C in a generous white Burgundy glass. Avoid serving too cold, as a little time in the glass will allow the wine's almond, hazelnut and lemongrass aromas to become more expressive.
 
The wine's mineral freshness, rounded texture and restrained oak influence make it particularly well suited to seafood and delicately prepared fish. Consider pan-fried scallops, grilled turbot, roast sea bass or lobster served with a light butter sauce.
 
It would also complement roast chicken, veal, creamy mushroom dishes and mild, creamy cheeses, where its freshness can balance richer flavours without overwhelming the food.
 
For a classic pairing, serve alongside roast turbot with beurre blanc or pan-roasted chicken with a light cream and mushroom sauce.