The hamlet of Blagny is a Cistercian heritage site and even during the earlier gallo-roman period it is believed that the inhabitants cultivated vines.
From the 12th century to the 18th, Blagny belonged to the Cistercian order established in the nearby abbey of Maizières and to this day remains a chapel built in the 15th century.
As commented by several 18th century writers, it appears that the monks’ knowledge of winegrowing had already built up the reputation of Blagny for its fine wine.After the revolution, the domain was sold in 1793 as national property and then acquired in 1811 by an ancestor of the present owners; the five following generations have all been dedicated to maintaining the excellence of the family estate and today, this responsibility is in the hands of Jean-Louis de Montlivault. Etienne de Brichard is preparing himself for the job.
Wine making:
Grapes are handpicked then placed in crates to be carefully transferred to the vathouse; a pneumatic press is used for low pressure extraction of the must.
For the white wines, the must is racked in vats for 24 hours which gives time for the coarse solid matter to settle and immediately after this period, the clear juice is filled into oak casks (only a quarter of the casks are new). The alcoholic fermentation is a natural process without the addition of artificial yeasts; then follows the malolactic fermentation process.
About 14 months later, the wine is racked in vats, filtered and then bottled.
The red wine process starts with fermentation of the de-stalked grapes in vats for approx. 2 weeks during which the colour and the tannins in the grape skin are dissolved; when the sugar is changed into alcohol, the wine is filled into casks and, as for the white, bottled after about 14 months. A quarter of the number of casks is renewed each year.
Terroir:
The terroir of Blagny, which is not more than 40 hectares, comprises 20% of appellations yet "1er cru" of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, universally known for excellence of their white wines. Soil, consisting of clay and limestone marl, are suitable for both reds than whites. Vineyards, grouped around the "hameau de Blagny", are located in the highest part of the Premiers Crus.
The vineyards are all located on the terroir of Blagny.
- Vines planted in white located on the commune of Meursault, have "meursault-blagny" appellation.
- Vines planted in white located on the commune of Puligny-Montrachet, have "puligny-montrachet, hameau de Blagny" appellation.
- Vines planted in red located on the commune of have "Blagny, sous le dos d’âne" appellation.
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All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Babylons Peak Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
The Chenin Blanc grapes were picked from very old dryland bushvine vineyards. The vineyard grows on weathered granite soils, contributing to the flavor of the grapes and mineral character of the wine. Production is limited to 5 tons/ha.
The grapes were harvest by hand at 22.1°B. The grapes were destalked and lightly crushed. Only the first 450 litres free-run juice per ton were fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature (10-12°C) for 21 days. The wines was left on the fermentation lees until bottling.
A crisp, fresh and fruity Chenin Blanc from low-yield dryland bushvines.
Pairs with salads, seafood, chicken and other light dishes. The perfect wine for every occasion.