The 2021 Domaine Stéphane Aladame Montagny 1er Cru Découverte is a beautifully refined and mineral-driven Chardonnay from one of the Côte Chalonnaise’s benchmark white wine specialists. Produced from carefully farmed Premier Cru vineyards in Montagny on limestone-rich soils, the wine reflects Stéphane Aladame’s meticulous vineyard work and restrained winemaking philosophy, balancing purity of fruit with freshness, tension and terroir transparency. The cooler 2021 vintage particularly suits the appellation, delivering exceptional precision, energy and aromatic clarity. The nose reveals lemon zest, green apple and white peach layered alongside white flowers, wet stone and subtle hazelnut notes, giving the wine impressive lift and finesse.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with vibrant natural acidity, silky texture and a tightly focused mineral core. Layers of citrus peel, orchard fruit and delicate lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and chalky tension, finishing long, dry and beautifully persistent with excellent precision and ageing potential. Careful élevage in older oak barrels contributes subtle richness and textural depth while preserving the wine’s crystalline purity and energetic character. The Premier Cru terroir of Montagny brings additional concentration and mineral detail, making this an especially elegant and age-worthy expression of southern Burgundy Chardonnay.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2021 Domaine Stéphane Aladame Montagny 1er Cru Découverte is a superb Côte Chalonnaise Chardonnay — mineral, poised and beautifully refined with outstanding freshness and finesse. Perfect with scallops, roast chicken, creamy risotto, grilled seafood or soft cheeses. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar comfortably through 2036+.
