Eight Centuries of Winemaking History in Burgundy
Since the 12th century, the Abbaye de Morgeot has been the cradle of an unbroken winemaking tradition. From the Cistercian monks who planted the first vines to today's growers, each generation has preserved and enriched this exceptional heritage.
Key dates
The Cistercian origins
The monks of the order of Cîteaux identified at Morgeot a terroir of exceptional quality and planted the first Chardonnay vines there. On these limestone soils of the Côte de Beaune, they laid the foundations of a vineyard that would endure through the centuries.
The destruction by Louis XI
The troops of Louis XI set fire to the Abbey. Chassagne-Montrachet, having remained loyal to Mary, the last Duchess of Burgundy, paid the price. Only the Chapel and the former bakery survived — silent witnesses to a turbulent age.
The arrival of the Mac Mahons
Coming from Ireland, the Mac Mahons settled in Burgundy. Passionate about great wines, they began to produce their own cuvées and shipped them as far as the Bishop of Killaloe in Ireland — a transatlantic wine venture well ahead of its time.
Philippe de Mac Mahon acquires the estate
Philippe, 9th Marquis of Mac Mahon and 4th Duc de Magenta, fell under the spell of Morgeot. A visionary, he created the Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Garenne, the cuvée that would bring the estate its worldwide reputation.
From Scotland to Burgundy
Amélie, of Scottish origin, married the Duc. From this union Maurice was born. The family put down roots, the estate flourished and the wines gained in finesse and character.
The Duchess takes the reins
Following the passing of the Duc, Amélie de Mac Mahon, Duchesse de Magenta, took sole charge of the estate. With determination and sensitivity, she carried on the excellence of the wines in keeping with the terroir and the family's memory.
A new generation takes over
Maurice Mac Mahon has taken over and now leads the estate towards the future. The family's winemaking tradition, born nearly three centuries ago, continues to be written at Chassagne-Montrachet with the same passion and the same exacting standards.
« Lorsqu'on a la chance de s'occuper des cépages les plus sophistiqués et aromatiques du monde sur un terroir de rêve, je pense qu'il suffit de les encadrer comme le plus beau des enfants afin de les laisser exprimer toutes leur richesse et délicatesse. »
Irish roots
The Mac Mahon family, of Irish origin, settled in Burgundy in the 18th century. Raised to the title of Duc de Magenta after the battle of Magenta in 1859, the line has since carried on a tradition of winemaking excellence on the lands of the Abbaye de Morgeot.
Clos de la Garenne — 1er Cru Morgeot