Definition: Montrachet (Le)

The name "Montrachet", a famous Burgundy "grand cru" appellation in the Côte de Nuits covering 7.89 hectares, is pronounced "monrachet". It has existed since at least the 13th century and has appeared under various successive names: "Mons Rachicencis", "Mont Rachaz", then "Mont Rachat", which became "Montrachat" in the 15th century. The etymology of the name is the subject of much controversy: while everyone agrees that it refers to a "mount", according to some, the term "rachat" means "bald" (referring to sparse vegetation), while according to other sources, the mount in question is named after a local bird of prey, the rachet.The most surprising feature of the Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet (7.62 ha), Bâtard-Montrachet (11.11 ha), Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet (3.73 ha) and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet (3.73 ha) is that they take more or less time to reveal the exceptional quality that is expected of them. The waiting period is 10 years for Montrachet and 5 years for Bâtard and its neighbours; only Chevalier-Montrachet seems to show signs of opening up more quickly. These prestigious appellations produce between 1,000 and 1,500 hl depending on the vintage.