Our Tasting Impressions
We love Mâcon and its very different expression of Burugndian Chardonnay - as compared to the Côte d'Or. This excellent example is round, fuller and offers an inviting warmth. Maybe its label should just read: Drink Me! And, we haven't even talked about the stunning value.
About this wine
Mâcon is the southernmost region of Burgundy. Mâcon-Villages is a designation intended to suggest that the vineyards are a step-up from the basic Mâcon. Grapes can come from 43 different villages.
The Chardonnay vines were planted, on average 30 years ago, in clay and limestone soil. The exposition is east and the elevation is 285 meters.
The grapes were manually harvested in September. They are fermented with natural yeasts and Malolactic fermentation is done. The wine was aged in French oak barrels. Bottling took place in 2022, after fining and filtration.
About the grape
Chardonnay is the most popular wine variety in the US. Winemakers love the green-skinned grape as well because it’s so easy to grow and adaptive to many different production techniques. Grown everywhere, Chardonnay’s greatest expressions are widely believed to come from Burgundy. Indeed, this is believed to be where the grape originated. Chablis, in Northern Burgundy and Champagne also offer superlative examples of Chardonnay.
About the vintage
2021 heralded a return to typical Burgundian style. For the first time in several years, high temperatures during the growing season were not the overriding factor. Unfortunately, a severe spring frost that plagued much of Europe drastically diminished yields. Chardonnay was hit harder because it buds earlier than Pinot Noir. So, 2021 was very good on quality but very poor on quantity.