Monthelie is a small Burgundy village located in Cote de Beaune, neighbouring Volnay, Meursault and Auxey-Duresses. Comparing to Volnay and Meursault, Monthelie is much less known. Unless you are a regular Burgundy drinker, probably you have never heard of this village before. Yet, Monthelie is regularly one of my favorite source of red Burgundy wine offering good value for money.
Although both red and white are produced in Monthelie, most of its production is red wine. There is no Grand Cru in Monthelie but it boosts 15 Premier Crus. All the Premier Crus (except Les Duresses and Les Clous) are located on the side near Volnay. Those Premier Crus near Volnay have soils high in limestone while Les Duressess has soil higher in marl. Given Volnay is famous for its elegance style, it is not surprising to find that those Premier Crus near to Volnay are in general more elegant in style than Les Duresses.
In term of style, Monthelie wine usually is quite full-bodied, has a very sturdy structure and is high in tannins. However, I usually find Monthelie’s style on the rustic side instead of elegance. Even though wine from Monthelie can be good in quality, a good Monthelie can never match the quality of a good Volnay. The strength of Monthelie lies on its price-performance. I have never encounter a Monthelie that has high level of complexity and depth. Still, when I want to have a Burgundy red that didn’t cost me a fortune, Monthelie is always on my list.
Map From Google Map
Premier Cru
Of the 15 Premier Crus in Monthelie, four of them are promoted to Premier Cru only in 2006. They are Les Barbieres (1.23 ha)，Le Cas Rougeot (0.57 ha), Le Clou Des Chenes (1.61 ha) and Les Toisieres (7.26 ha). Below are Premier Crus that you are more likely to encounter.
Les Champs Fulliot (8.1 ha)
Les Champs Fulliot is regarded by most as the best Premier Cru in Monthelie. It is situated next to the famous Premier Cru Les Caillerets in Volnay. It has very good south-east exposure and has soil high in limestone. Recommended producers include Remi Jobard, Denis Boussey and Bouchard.
Sur la Valle (6.03 ha)
Situated on the lower slope of Les Champs Fulliot. Sur la Valle has the same good orientation of south-east as Les Champ Fulliot. Its major producer is Chateau de Montelie (Eric de Suremain). I have tried several vintages before and found them all offering very good value for money even though I found them having a slightly rustic feel.
Le Meix Bataille (2.28 ha)
Major and recommended producer is Paul Garaudet Buy Nolvadex Online Pharmacy No Prescription Needed and Monthelie-Douhairet.
Les Duresses (6.72 ha)
Probably the most commonly available Premier Cru in Monthelie. From its name, it will not surprised you that it is situated next to Auxey-Duresses. Wine from Les Duresses usually has even more rustic feel than those Premier Crus near Volnay. They are also usually very high in tannins. Recommended producers include Hospices de Beaune (named as Cuvee Lebelin), Paul Garaudet, Comtes Lafon and Bouchard.