Monthelie AOC, Burgundy: Wine Styles, 10 Best Bottles (2024)

Monthélie is a small village in the Burgundy sub-region of Côte de Beaune, in Cote d’Or. Although tiny, this village is home to around 15 Premier Cru vineyards that produce some of the best pocket-friendly red wines in Côte de Beaune!

Let’s explore Monthélie’s wine characteristics, 10 amazing bottles to buy now, the region’s climate, and a bit of it’s history.

Monthelie Wine: Style and Characteristics

Monthelie produces delicious red and white wine bottles with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the primary grapes. 

There are additional regulations depending on the wine type: 

A. Monthelie Red Wine

Red wines account for around 85% of the region’s production. 

AOC regulations mandate that reds must be made with a minimum of 85% Pinot Noir. While up to 15% of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinto Gris are allowed as accessory grapes, it’s not commonly practiced.

A Monthelie red wine is soft and fruity. They are typically aged in oak barrels and are similar to Volnay in style. 

For village-level red wine bottles, the grapes must reach a maturity of at least 10.5% potential alcohol and 11% for Premier Cru red wine. 

B. Monthelie White Wine 

White wine accounts for around 15% of the region’s production.

When producing this wine type, wineries can use both Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, but most opt for 100% Chardonnay. 

Village white wines are usually golden in colour with flavors of sweet apples, nuts, and white flowers.

When making white wine, grapes must reach a maturity of at least 11% (for Village white wine) and 11.5% (for Premier Cru).

The Best Monthélie Wines To Buy in 2024

Here are 10 of the best Monthélie wines to buy in 2024: 

• 2017 Coche-Dury Monthelie
• 2014 Domaine Roulot Monthelie
• 2014 Philippe Pacalet Le Clos Gauthey
• 2015 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Monthelie Les Duresses
• 2015 Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie Premier Cru
• 2017 Domaine Parent Monthelie Blanc
• 2012 Domaine Florent Garaudet Les Champs Fulliots
• 2015 Domaine Matrot Monthelie
• 2019 Domaine Remi Jobard Les Vignes Rondes
• 2011 Domaine Eric de Suremain Chateau de Monthelie

1. 2017 Coche-Dury Monthelie ($406)

Rich aromas of red fruit and cherry with subtle soil notes complement a lively palate of fruit. Good minerality leads to a chalky finish.

2. 2014 Domaine Roulot Monthelie ($76)

Aromas of violet, blackcurrant, and sour cherry dominate the nose, while a light palate of bright red fruit and creamy texture round out the tart acidity.

3. 2014 Philippe Pacalet Le Clos Gauthey ($86)

This Pinot Noir offers an exuberant nose of apricot, pear, and apple. Medium acidity and a smooth mouth feel complement an elegant finish and gentle tannins.

4. 2015 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Monthelie Les Duresses ($89)

A vibrant bouquet of strawberry, cherry, and violet bursts from the glass. A full-bodied palate with a tasting note of juicy fruit framed by gentle tannins.

5. 2015 Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie Premier Cru ($100)

Attractive aromas of red fruit with a hint of truffle define this robust wine. A medium-bodied palate and firm tannin offer lots of depth on the finish.

6. 2017 Domaine Parent Monthelie Blanc ($55)

Golden in colour with a floral nose and a creamy, honeysuckle palate gives way to a lemony finish and fresh minerality.

7. 2012 Domaine Florent Garaudet Les Champs Fulliots ($59)

Notes of fruit and earth define the nose. A supple yet lively palate offers delectable flavors of red fruit and blackcurrant.

8. 2015 Domaine Matrot Monthelie ($43)

A nose of red berries and pomegranate gives way to energetic, rich, and refreshing flavors that culminate in a youthful finish. 

9. 2019 Domaine Remi Jobard Les Vignes Rondes ($59)

A bouquet of black cherry and cassis mixed with a wild strawberry tasting note complement the juicy tannin profile.

10. 2011 Domaine Eric de Suremain Chateau de Monthelie ($50)

A robust wine offering a clean nose of wild strawberries, cranberries, and cherries with a hint of floral notes. Flavors of red fruit and light spiciness define the palate.

But what gives Monthelie wines their unique youthfulness?

Monthélie: Climate and Viticulture

The Monthelie village is located right in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, very close to Volnay. 

The Monthelie vineyard plots are perfect for vine plantings, supported by great weather with a climate similar to that of Auxey-Duresses.

The vine plantings also benefit from the limestone-clay soils and southerly plots that maximize sunlight exposure. 

The soils near the southern end of the Monthelie vineyard bordering the famous white wine village of Meursault, are deeper and slightly more fertile than the vineyard further up the hill, making them ideal for Chardonnay. 

Monthelie has 15 Premier Cru vineyards, including Sur la Velle, Le Clos Gauthey, La Taupine, and La Chateau Gaillard that produce some of the region’s finest wines. 

A Brief History of Monthélie

Viticulture has been a part of the Monthélie village since the 9th century when the monks of Cluny Abbey planted the original vines. 

However, the Burgundian vineyard suffered from the ‘black disease’ in the 15th and 16th centuries. Then, in the late 19th century, Phylloxera destroyed the vines. 

After replanting, Monthélie was originally branded under Volnay or Pommard until the appellation of Monthélie was created in 1937. Originally it was designated Village wine but received Premier Crus status in 1970. 

Although not as famous as Meursault, Monthélie produces some delicious Burgundy wines at accessible prices. Thanks to advances made by producers, the village of Monthélie is now known for some of the best red wines in the Côte de Beaune. 

Monthelie Wine: A Sought-After, Affordable Gem From Burgundy! 

Although a small village, Monthélie produces some of the most popular Burgundies without costing an arm and a leg. You can also cellar some of the finest Monthelie Pinot Noirs for around 10 years to open it at your next big event.

Now, if you’re looking for investment-worthy wines, be sure to use a reliable investment company like Vinovest. 

The platform will help you build a portfolio of fantastic wines from around the world, including New Zealand, South Africa, South Australia, and even Rhone Valley!