2023 Monthélie 1er Cru Meix Bataille, Domaine Changarnier

• Style: Full-bodied, structured Pinot Noir
• Taste: Dark cherry, white pepper, caramel with silky tannins
• Food: Roast dinners, game, beef, braised dishes, mushroom
• Occasion: Date night, gifting, cellar worthy
• Serve: 14–16°C, now through late 2020s

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with layered aromas of black cherry, white pepper and caramel. Full-bodied and structured on the palate—ripe dark fruit, smooth tannins, and a length that lingers with freshness and poise. This is Monthélie's richest expression, styled closer to neighbouring Pommard's power and grip than its more delicate peers.

The Winery — Domaine Changarnier

The Changarnier family has stewarded their Monthélie estate since 1720, perched 365 metres above sea level overlooking the Auxey-Duresses and Meursault valleys. Brothers Antoine and Claude have helmed the domaine since 2004, supported by winemaker Fabrice Groussin, who champions modern viticulture to express the unique character of each parcel. The 2023 Meix Bataille comes from 35-year-old vines on south-facing clay-limestone slopes at 200 metres elevation. Summer hail demanded selective sorting in both vineyard and cellar—a discipline that concentrated flavour. Destemmed fruit underwent a cool five-day pre-fermentation soak, a three-week fermentation with gentle extraction, and aging in just 25% new French oak to preserve site character. Certified organic since 2019 with hand-harvested fruit, Domaine Changarnier prioritises quality over volume.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Serve this wine with roasted beef, braised chicken, game and venison, or rich stews and braises. It pairs beautifully with mushroom and truffle dishes, aged goat cheese, and charcuterie. The 2023 is drinking wonderfully now but will reward cellaring through the late 2020s. Whether you're seeking a special bottle for a date night or building a collection, this Premier Cru deserves a place at your table. Explore more Medium Bodied Red Wine options, discover other Pinot Noir expressions, or browse our full France collection.