Mercurey “Les Montelons” blanc Sans Sulfites Ajouté AC 2021

Wine description for Mercurey “Les Montelons” blanc Sans Sulfites Ajouté AC 2021 by François de Nicolay

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with delicate green reflections – clear and inviting in the glass.

Nose

Wild, oriental and generous: turmeric, curry, white pepper and saffron dominate the first impression, flanked by almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts. Beneath lies an earthy, chalky undertone, accompanied by dried grass, savoury, marjoram and oregano. With patience, the nutty character evolves towards nougat, whilst the fruit remains in the realm of dried fruits – apricot, date and fig.

Palate

Silky and seamless, it glides across the palate, carried by a precise, essential acidity. Lean and taut, with ‘zero grams of fat’, yet displaying fine, pronounced spice and distinct minerality. The nutty nuances and ethereal aromas seem to stretch it out lengthwise – fruit takes a back seat here in favour of depth and drive.

Finish

Long and spicy: all the herbal and roasted notes return impressively on the aftertaste.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from Mercurey in the Côte Chalonnaise, southern Burgundy. François de Nicolay operates as a négociant-éleveur: he does not buy finished wines, but rather grapes from long-standing partner growers who farm organically or biodynamically – vinified and matured in the historic vaulted cellars of Domaine Chandon de Briailles in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Chardonnay, spontaneously fermented and matured in his own cellar. Like all wines in the François de Nicolay range, it is made entirely without added sulphur – Sans Sulfites Ajouté appears on the label for good reason. At 11.0% ABV, it remains pleasantly light on its feet.

Food Pairing

A spicy wine that loves spiced dishes: saffron risotto, tagliatelle with seafood and tomato sauce, or braised celeriac with mushroom stock and toasted hazelnuts – the nutty, oriental aromatic profile finds its ideal resonance here.

Special Features

A sulphur-free Burgundy that demonstrates just how much finesse is possible when one trusts nature: De Nicolay, one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in the region, relies on flawless grapes and the courage to relinquish control. The result is a Chardonnay far removed from vanilla and buttered toast – smoky-spicy, lean and honest. Unusual, idiosyncratic and utterly moreish.