Burgundy's Golden Triangle: Discovering the Great Whites

Learn About The Amazing White Wines Being Produced in Burgundy's Golden Triangle

Nestled within the heart of Burgundy, the revered “Golden Triangle” encompasses the picturesque villages of Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Chassagne-Montrachet officially, but St. Aubin is good enough to be listed amongst these great names too. This region is best known for some of the finest white wines in the world, celebrated for their exceptional quality, complexity, and elegance. The combination of unique terroir, meticulous winemaking practices, and a long-standing tradition of viticulture has given these wines an unparalleled status. 

This is a region full of world-class wines, some of which have world-class price tags – but not all. Not by a long chalk. But you need to know a little about the producers here to really find the best value, and the wine that is best for your palate. That’s why our Burgundy wine shop at BurgundyWine.com exists. Read on as we reveal the best wines in our cellars from these villages, and explain a little about why the Burgundy Golden Triangle has been sprinkled with gold dust from the wine Gods.  

Terroir of the Burgundy Golden Triangle: Earthy Excellence 

The foundation of the remarkable white wines produced in the Golden Triangle lies in its unique terroir. The region benefits from a mosaic of climates, soil types, and elevations, all of which create ideal conditions for Chardonnay grapes. The grapes enjoy the perfect environment to develop to their fullest potential here, thanks to the limestone-rich soils, warmed by the sun's rays and cooled by the breezes from the nearby Côte Chalonnaise. 

In Puligny-Montrachet, for instance, the layers of limestone allow for superb drainage, encouraging deep root growth while ensuring that the grapes maintain their vibrant acidity—a key element in great white wines. (You can read our article on Acidity and the 4 Fundamentals of wine here). In Meursault, the soil also boasts a high proportion of clay, which lends richness and creaminess to the wines, producing a luxurious mouthfeel that fans of this region look for.

You can read more about the Geology of Burgundy on our site at BurgundyWine.com. Geology matters more in this part of France than in probably any other wine growing region in the world. Just two grapes grow – red Pinot Noir and white Chardonnay – on some incredible rock and soil. It’s amazing to think that the same geology that brought the Golden Triangle into existence is also responsible for some of the finest red wines from the Cote de Nuits. But that’s a whole other article… 

Golden Triangle Communes: A Galaxy of Star Names 

Let’s have a look at each of the communes in turn to see why they are so special: 

1. Puligny-Montrachet: Renowned for producing some of the world's most sought-after and highly regarded Chardonnays, Puligny-Montrachet is home to prestigious "Grand Cru" vineyards, producing wines that are characterized by their finesse, minerality, and aging potential, often displaying notes of citrus, white flowers, and a distinctive flintiness. Here at BurgundyWine.com – the wine shop of Elden Selections – you will find some fine examples of wines from Puligny-Montrachet, and we can't wait for you to try them. We recommend: 

• Domaine Jean Fery Puligny-Montrachet 'Les Nosroyes' – grapes grown in one of the classiest vineyards in the whole area, giving a wine which has so many facets to its character, from toasty/nutty flavors, through lemon and floral notes, and overall so rich and subtle. 

• Domaine Gilles Bouton Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'La Garenne' – this Premier Cru wine is from one of the most noble vineyards of all, and it shows. This is one of the most harmonious wines you will find – appley mineral notes, ripe fruit, a hint of toasted croissant all linked together with that special ‘honey’ touch which tells you you’re in Golden Triangle territory.

2. Meursault: Often considered the heart of Burgundy’s white wine production, Meursault offers wines that are richly textured and full-bodied. Known for their opulence, Meursault wines exhibit flavors ranging from ripe stone fruits to hazelnuts and butter. The village's best examples often come from Premier Cru sites, like Les Charmes, showcasing a harmony between richness and refreshing acidity. We suggest: 

• Jean Jacques Girard Meursault Charmes 1er Cru – if you want to know what all the fuss is about when it comes to complex white wines from this enchanting little village, this is the wine to try. Imagine a symphony of aromas on the nose, a perfectly balanced palate with both precision and opulence, and a creamy mouthfeel with a long lingering finish, and you get some of idea of what a treat you’re in for. 

3. Chassagne-Montrachet: Chassagne-Montrachet straddles elegance and power, producing both exquisite white wines and renowned Pinot Noir. White wines here often display a harmonious blend of fruit, floral notes, and oak aging, leading to complex flavor profiles that evolve beautifully in the bottle. We stock: 

• Domaine Borgeot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Morgeot' – a large, subdivided vineyard full of quality – the wines grown here have depth, weight and power, but are able to deliver a silky finish despite that. If you want a Great White, you have found it here.  

4. St. Aubin: While perhaps less famous than its neighbors, St. Aubin creates a niche for itself with wines that deliver incredible value without sacrificing quality. The wines are known for their purity and freshness, often with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and an elegant minerality. This is a village that punches well above its weight and has a huge reputation in white wine, despite its modest size. The Premier Cru vineyards have gained recognition for producing exceptional wines that age gracefully. One such vineyard is Les Champlots: 

• Domaine Gilles Bouton Saint Aubin 1er Cru 'Champlots' – this wine benefits from being grown on a plot that gets the full afternoon sun, making grapes that are exuberant and floral, making an expressive wine with a mineral, smoky finish.  

A Commitment to Tradition and Innovation 

The winemakers of the Burgundy Golden Triangle are dedicated to preserving centuries-old traditions whilst also embracing modern techniques to enhance their wines. Many producers employ sustainable viticulture practices, focusing on the quality of the grapes, and the overall health of the vineyard's ecosystem. Harvesting is often done by hand, ensuring only the best fruit is selected for vinification. 

Once in the cellar, the wines undergo careful fermentation, often in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels. The choice of oak, whether it is new or old, is vital, and can impart subtlety and depth to the wine without overshadowing the elegant fruit characteristics. These meticulous methods contribute to the layered complexity and exceptional balance that define wines of the Golden Triangle. 

Discover The Burgundy Golden Triangle as Our Guest at Domaine de Cromey 

The Golden Triangle of Burgundy undoubtedly stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of white wine production. With its unique terroir, celebrated villages, and devoted winemakers, the region continues to produce some of the most coveted wines globally. Whether it's the crisp minerality of Puligny-Montrachet or the rich textures of Meursault, each bottle offers a reflection of the land and its heritage. Wine enthusiasts and collectors alike will always hold a special place in their hearts—and glasses—for the remarkable whites from this world-beating region. 

Of course, you have to come here to really get under the skin of these wines and see for yourself the greatness growing on the hillside. That’s why we’re inviting you to our baronial manor house, Domaine de Cromey, nestling amongst the vines, for the wine vacation of a lifetime! You’ll make truly unforgettable memories and meet people we have worked with for years, who can show you the wines they make and find the ones right for you. 

Check out a sample itinerary by clicking here. 
Click here to book your Burgundy Vacation of a lifetime now – we can’t wait to meet you!