Description
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau, Saint-Véran, “La Fournaise”
Long overlooked, the Mâcon region of southern Burgundy has become a hotbed of exciting new projects and a prime source of high quality and excellent value Chardonnay for in-the-know wine lovers. Frantz Chagnoleau has been leading the charge here for well over a decade now, aided by his wife Caroline Gon who’s day job is winemaker at perhaps the most famous Mâcon estate, Héritiers du Comte Lafon. Indeed, the influence of the iconic Dominique Lafon is clear: these are pure, mineral driven and terroir transparent Burgundies. Farming is certified organic and the winemaking is clean and minimalist in nature. Aging is done mostly in large, neutral barrels as Frantz and Caroline seek to minimize any overt oak influence. These wines are some of the most exciting values in White Burgundy, and they are even more compelling given the excellent, though very tiny, 2021 vintage.
Sourced from old vines on steep hills of clay and limestone in the village of Prissé. This cuvée has a bit more texture and richness, but is still beautifully balanced by sunny acidity and seashell minerality. Decant for 30 minutes to allow the classic aromas of green apple, lemon curd, quince and white flowers to emerge. Serve at about 50 degrees in a Burgundy stem along side roast chicken or Sole Meunière. Drink now to 2030.
