Puligny-Montrachet, situated to the south of Meursault and the north of Chassagne-Montrachet, shares with Chassagne a handful of the greatest white wine vineyards in the world. The vineyards are centred around Puligny and a part of the Blagny hamlet on a gentle, east-facing slope, about 230 to 390 m above sea level. The Stoney clay and chalk soil drains well and warms through easily. Chardonnay is the only grape variety used for white wines. Grapes are harvested by hand and put in small cases so as not to damage the fruits. Grapes are pressed softly; they ferment in oak barrels our cooperage produces. 1/3 are new barrels. Ageing usually lasts 15 months on fine lines before bottling.