2023 Vignerons de Buxy, Montagny, Buissonnier, Bourgogne Blanc, France.
This pretty, steely, pale gold and chalky Chardonnay shows off a medium body of lemon, peach, pear and golden fig fruits, along with wet stone, clove spice, almond paste and clarified creme notes with a subtle white blossoms aroma. This wine comes from vines set on clay and limestone soils sourced from small family vineyards around Montagny in Burgundy’s Cote Chalonnaise region. The co-op Vignerons de Buxy was one of the first wineries in Burgundy to be certified sustainable and now partnered with Caves Bailly-Lapierre, there’s some better distribution and marketing, catching up either the quality found here, and this 2023 Montagny Blanc is a lovely effort that offers a lot of value for the money. Nicely balanced between crisp detailing and round textural pleasure, this Vignerons de Buxy white Burgundy is solid on its own, but even better with food. This wine saw a careful cluster selection and all the grapes were de-stemmed, after which it was fermented and lees aged in all stainless steel tank, all to promote freshness and clarity.
I learned that the Vignerons de Buxy was founded originally back in Cote Chalonnaise in 1931 by a community of 98 vine growers, who, in the face of the Great Depression, sought to pool resources and formed this cooperative to survive this devastating period in Europe. Buxy says the grouping of the many little family plantings, all inspired by the same values of solidarity, sharing and conviviality, resulted in a brand that represents a human and social endeavor stretching back over 89 years. In1977, the Cave de Saint Gengoux le National merged with the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy and from then on to now, the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy’s production area expanded to include both the original Côte Chalonnaise as well as new vineyards the Mâconnais region. This meant, Buxy was able to offer a wider range of wines, with offerings from Santenay to Cluny, including the appellations of Montagny, seen here, Mercurey, Givry, Rully, Macon Village and Mâcon Saint Gengoux. Interestingly too, It made Vignerons de Buxy Burgundy’s leading supplier for Bourgogne Aligoté, which I hope to try soon. Thanks to Cella Restaurant in Monterey for pouring this one by the glass and sharing with me, during a wonderful meal with friends.
($20 Est.) 89 Points, grapelive