Maison Michel Picard - Château de Chassagne Montrachet

08.02.2007 Few words on how the 2006 vintage is maturing in our cellars…

All Château de Chassagne-Montrachet wines are matured in oak barrels, in the 11th, 12th and 14th century vaulted cellars of the domain. Several months after the vinifications, F. Barnier, wine-maker for Maison Michel PICARD, tells us how the wines are ageing. White wines have kept the characteristics they had during the fermentations, that is to say straightforward and clear. Exchanges with the wood have been quick. Therefore, it is a pleasure when tasting today. Malolactic fermentations have not occurred yet and they will not be activated on all the cuvees. Stirring frequency has been reduced as wines, like the vines, have entered a resting phase, in the 53°F cellar atmosphere. First impressions are confirmed: 2006 is a great vintage for ageing expressive white wines. A for the red wines, after the usual “just after the macerations” difficult phase, the fruitiness is starting to express. Most of the wines have completed their Malolactic fermentation just after the alcoholic fermentation, and the others will ferment during spring. Tannins are still rough and need time to smooth; we're only one third of the way through maturing time… For the reds too, exchanges with the wood have been quick so we feel woody, grilled and toasted aromas are integrating the wines' structure more and more each day. This vintage is on fruit and elegant bodies will appear if tannins continue to melt away with few months ageing…

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