Domaine de la Monette a brace of wines from one of Burgundy's rising stars

Budget friendly bank holiday Burgundy bankers.

Pierre-Etienne de Chevalier purchased Domaine de la Monette in December 2022 after stints working at Domaine de la Vougeraie and Paul Pillot, as well as further afield. Just two years into his project, his vision is clear and his wines impressive. Calm and assured, he’s on a mission to prove that Mercurey can produce wines that give real pleasure in the glass, with not a hint of rusticity. He’s proving his point already.

The two cuvees on offer today come from his inaugural vintage and represent some of the keenest value Burgundy we’ve found in recent years. The Bourgogne Blanc is a giant killer in blind tastings; a smoky, crushed rock, stylishly energetic example that tastes much smarter than its lowly price tag suggests it should. As a first vintage, this bottling, raised in 500L barrels, saw a touch more new oak (around 20%) than will be the case going forwards, which possibly explains why it tastes as grown up as it does.

On the red front, our current favourite from his single vineyard Mercureys is Les Bourgignons 2023, a wine grown on red clay soils that completely dispels any notion you might have of Mercurey tasting like a country wine. With a couple of years in bottle this is now drinking beautifully, with a depth and precision to the fruit that will keep you interested as the bottle rapidly disappears.

A brace of wines from one of Burgundy’s rising stars at prices that wont make you think twice before opening another bottle. Perfect for May bank holidays, and beyond…

“Keep an eye on this name. I liked the style of the wines. … Moreover, these prices make a mockery of some inflated ones you will find in the Côte d'Or. Give them a try.” Neal Martin, vinous.com