The Chateau de la Saule, the largest and most prestigious domaine in the appellation of Montagny, has been in the Roy family since 1805. Situated at the foot of the hillsides of, and at the entry to, the village of Montagny-en- Buxy, this estate produces classic wines of this appellation. Alain Roy, the current proprietor, has been responsible for the entire domaine since 1972. We have had the privilege of representing the wines of this estate since the 1980 vintage. The Chateau de la Saule has 17 hectares of vineyards, 13 of which are planted to Chardonnay. The vineyards face full south and the majority are located within the premier cru sites of Burnins, Les Vignes Sur Le Clou, and Les Monts Cuchots. The soil composition is argilo- calcaire with a strong silex composition. Each of the above sites is situated on prime hillside slopes. Alain Roy is currently participating in a research project the objective of which is to determine the most efficient and productive methods to reduce treatments in the vineyards to an absolute minimum. Harvest is done manually. The grapes are crushed in a pneumatic press; the juice is chilled and then racked off the heavy lees shortly after crushing; fermentation of most of the Chardonnay proceeds in stainless steel cuves under controlled conditions at low temperatures. These wines remain on the lees in stainless steel. On occasion a portion of the vintage may be racked into barrel to complete the malolactic fermentation