Fagot Chassagne

Who doesn’t love a well-priced old vine Chassagne Montrachet Rouge?

One of the things I’m always trying to do is find wines that truly punch above their weight, and Jean-Charles Fagot’s Chassagne Montrachet Vieille Vigne is exactly that kind of wine. It delivers a genuine Burgundy experience at a price point that’s easy to appreciate.

I first discovered this gem back in 2016, and I still think of it as one of the wines that really opened many of my clients’ eyes to red Chassagne Montrachet. The bright red-fruited perfume leaps from the glass, intensely fragrant and inviting. On the palate, you immediately feel the old-vine density, delivering a soft, supple texture with impeccable balance. I’m enjoying a glass as I write this, and between sips the flavors linger beautifully. It’s simply a fantastic bottle of wine.

There was a time when selling Chassagne Rouge was nearly impossible, which is one of the reasons many vignerons in the 1970s ripped out Pinot Noir and replanted with Chardonnay. With today’s warmer temperatures, these wines are far more fruit-forward than they once were. Chassagne has become one of the areas in Burgundy I actively seek out. In fact, while finalizing my Ramonet allocation the other day, I was pushing my supplier hard for more of the red wines.

If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of Chassagne Montrachet Rouge, the 2023 Jean-Charles Fagot Chassagne Montrachet Vieille Vigne comes with my highest recommendation. At $45, it’s a complete no-brainer.