COMO Le Montrachet, the vintage cocoon

Lydia Bacrie | 11/20/23, 2:19 PM

Good news for all wine lovers... The Como hotel group has inaugurated a luxury retreat in the legendary village of Puligny-Montrachet, in the heart of Burgundy's vineyards. A dream address offering an exceptional oenological and gastronomic experience.

The village has just 400 inhabitants, but it's surrounded by the most prestigious vineyards: puligny-montrachet, pommard, meursault... These names thrill wine-lovers, who can now enjoy a haven to match their passion. The Singaporean hotel group Como has just inaugurated Le Montrachet, after subtly restoring the old village inn, three white stone buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. There's nothing grandiloquent here; the place is an intimate cocoon, respectful of a region and its culture, as Olivier Jolivet, the group's CEO, explains : "Our idea? Recreate the French village square with its hotel, bakery and gourmet restaurant."

To meet this challenge, the group called on Italian designer Paola Navone (Otto Studio), who subtly reinterpreted the premises, drawing inspiration from the colors of Burgundy.She subtly reinterpreted the site, drawing inspiration from the colors of Burgundy and using local craftsmanship to sign off every detail (use of zinc for roofing, glazed terracotta, etc.). As soon as you arrive, you realize that the exercise is a flawless one. Conceived as "chic sanctuaries", the 17 rooms in the main building are illuminated by forest green and royal blue Jouy fabrics, while the 8 rooms in the Residence are adorned in luminous greys. On the other side of the village square, Villa Christine infuses the atmosphere of a private home with its 5 rooms and suites, whose walls are adorned with a delicate palette of colors.decorated with custom furniture designed by Paola Navone, mixing pure lines with traditional codes. 

Oenology and gastronomy in perfect harmony

In rooms and communal areas alike, wood and stone play superstar roles, as in the dining room, where the main wall is covered in a dazzling display of woven willow. It's in this arty, contemporary country atmosphere that we savor the cuisine of Romain Versino, who arrived at Montrachet in 2018, and who tirelessly pursues the same mission: to magnify local produce while twisting the traditions of Burgundian cuisine - like this pigeon stuffed with foie gras cooked in a cereal crust, a must-try on the menu. Another success is the wine and food pairings created from the 1,300 references selected by head sommelier André Berthier, who also invites oenophiles to wine tasting sessions.nophiles to wine-tasting sessions and visits to prestigious cellars, taking advantage of the proximity of four grands crus and 17 premiers crus. Not forgetting, of course, the not-to-be-missed (re)discovery of Beaune and its famous hospices, just 12 kilometers away.

As a final highlight, the hotel is soon to inaugurate the Como Shambhala spa, which will combine Asian-inspired treatments with vinotherapy programs designed exclusively for Como Le Montrachet. The 5-star retreat, ideally located on the route to some of the world's most famous wines, will thus be able to offer even more.

Florian Bonnin, General Manager of the Como Le Montrachet hotel

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The Como Montrachet is anchored in a typically Burgundian village dedicated to the world of wine. How does the hotel fit into this culture?

Florian Bonnin The hotel was built in the village's former inn, which for a long time was a simple country inn, then expanded with a few rooms before being awarded a star. We wanted to extend this history without altering it. Paola Navone called on local companies to restore the building. The facades have been preserved, as have most of the volumes, even if the whole has been given a truly modern touch. Our gastronomic proposal is in line with this general approach. Our chef has been here since 2018 (before the Como takeover) with the same ambition: to modernize Burgundian cuisine without betraying it. He has enriched the historic menu with numerous fish dishes, favoring local catch from the surrounding lakes, and has designed a popular vegetarian menu. As for wine, we've expanded and ennobled our offering, while staying as close as possible to the historic choices.

The hotel is located in an area famous for its vineyards, but lacking in large hotels to welcome wine lovers. What kind of clientele are you targeting? Local, French, foreign?

F. B. As far as the restaurant is concerned, we've kept our loyal clientele - winemakers, cellar masters - who are now joined by hotel guests, especially for dinner. Our guests come from all over France and nearby Europe (Belgium, Germany, Great Britain...). Since the group's takeover and the hotel's move upmarket, we also welcome Americans and Asians, who stay here longer - four to five days instead of just a weekend.

Como is still little known in France. What is its philosophy?

F. B. This is Como's first address in France, and it's totally in keeping with the spirit of its collection... Hotels mostly outside cities, in places that tell a story. Como's aim is to invest in unique destinations, where well-being is very much in evidence. It's in this spirit that we're making progress on the Como Shambhala spa project, the brand's exclusive signature, which will open in the coming months.

Como experiences

The hotel is multiplying its partnerships with the most prestigious vineyards to organize exceptional wine tastings. Our favorites? In Meursault, at Maison Bouchard, founded in 1731 and famous for its white wines, or at Maison Chanzy in Puligny-Montrachet, which also reveals the splendor of its 16th-century cellar. Other experiences include exploring the vineyards in a 2CV or visiting the Beaune market with a chef, before a half-day cooking class.

Double room from €380, breakfast included.
10, place du Pasquier-de-la-Fontaine, 21190 Puligny-Montrachet. Tel: 03 80 21 30 06.
Further information onCOMO Le Montrachet

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