Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny Montrachet Premier Cru Les Foltaieres 2018

Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Folatières 2018 is a 750ml, 13.5% ABV Premier Cru white Burgundy made from 100% Chardonnay. Sourced from two distinct vineyard plots within the Les Folatières climat and aged with a restrained 25% new oak regimen, this bottling captures both the tension and generosity that define Puligny-Montrachet at the Premier Cru level.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France  |  Premier Cru  |  Distillery: Domaine Alain Chavy

Production & Heritage

Domaine Alain Chavy is a respected grower estate in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet, notable for possessing the deepest cellar in the village at 18 feet underground — a natural advantage for slow, temperature-stable élevage. The Les Folatières cuvée is drawn from two separate parcels of 25- to 45-year-old vines: one in the steepest, stoniest section near Blagny, contributing excellent acidity and firm structure, and another from lower on the slope where richer soils lend depth and volume. Grapes are hand-harvested, then pressed and fermented in barrel at temperatures not exceeding 25°C, with only 25% new oak used for Premier Cru wines — a deliberate restraint that lets site character dominate over winemaking signature.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with citrus oil and lime blossom before unfurling into yellow orchard fruit, blanched almonds, and a whisper of fresh pastry. Subtle citronella and baking spice notes emerge with time in the glass.

Taste: On the palate, this is medium- to full-bodied with a satiny, fleshy texture that belies considerable underlying tension. A pronounced mineral streak runs through the mid-palate, lending grip and focus. Of the wines in the Chavy range, this is the tightest-knit expression, holding the most in reserve and rewarding patient tasting.

Finish: The finish is long and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of peach skin, crushed stone, and a citrus pith bitterness that keeps the palate refreshed. The balance between richness and acidity gives it a measured, persistent close.

How to Drink Les Folatières 2018

Serve slightly below room temperature — around 12–14°C — in a large-bowled white wine glass. This is first and foremost a wine for attentive sipping, and decanting for 20–30 minutes can help it open further. While Premier Cru white Burgundy is not a typical cocktail ingredient, it shines at the table: pair it with dishes where its minerality and texture can interact with food rather than mixing it into drinks.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Burgundy collector or white wine enthusiast
• Anchoring a multi-course dinner with seafood or poultry as the centerpiece
• Cellaring for mid-term aging — the 2018 vintage has the concentration to evolve through 2028 and beyond
• Exploring the terroir differences between Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru vineyards side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Les Folatières 2018 taste like? It delivers a medium- to full-bodied palate marked by citrus oil, yellow orchard fruit, blanched almonds, and a firm mineral backbone. The texture is satiny and fleshy, but the wine remains taut and focused throughout.

How does Les Folatières 2018 compare to Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières? Domaine Leflaive is widely considered the most prestigious estate in Puligny-Montrachet and commands significantly higher prices for the same climat. Alain Chavy's version tends toward a more restrained oak profile at 25% new barrels and emphasizes site-driven minerality, making it a compelling alternative from the same vineyard at a more accessible price tier.

Is Les Folatières 2018 good for cellaring? Yes — the 2018 vintage in Burgundy produced concentrated, ripe whites, and this wine's firm acidity and tightly wound structure suggest it will reward cellaring through at least 2028, with potential beyond that depending on storage conditions.

Where is Les Folatières 2018 made? It is produced by Domaine Alain Chavy in Puligny-Montrachet, located within the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, France. The grapes come from the Les Folatières Premier Cru vineyard, which sits on the slope between Puligny-Montrachet and the village of Blagny.

What foods pair well with Les Folatières 2018? Roasted lobster or crab with drawn butter complements the wine's richness and mineral edge. Seared Dover sole or turbot mirrors its elegance without overwhelming it. A roast chicken with tarragon cream sauce matches the wine's weight and herbal undertones. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese echoes the nutty, savory notes on the palate. Risotto with fresh porcini mushrooms pairs well with the wine's texture and earthy minerality.

What sizes does Les Folatières 2018 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this cuvée.

Is Les Folatières 2018 worth the price? This wine positions as a serious Premier Cru white Burgundy from a well-regarded grower estate, sitting well below the ultra-premium pricing of neighbors like Domaine Leflaive for the same vineyard site. For drinkers seeking authentic Puligny-Montrachet terroir expression with restrained winemaking, it represents strong value within the Premier Cru category.

Why Les Folatières 2018?

What distinguishes this cuvée is the dual-parcel sourcing within Les Folatières — the high, steep, stony plot near Blagny delivers nervy acidity and structure, while the lower, richer parcel adds flesh and depth. That combination, fermented and aged in Puligny's deepest cellar with only 25% new oak, produces a wine that is simultaneously generous and restrained. The 2018 vintage gave Burgundy ripe, concentrated fruit, and Alain Chavy's measured approach prevented that richness from tipping into heaviness. The result is a tightly wound Premier Cru that rewards patience and rewards understanding of what Puligny-Montrachet's best vineyards can deliver from a meticulous, small-production grower.