Viré-Clessé 2012

Grape Variety : Chardonnay and Chardonnay Muscaté

Soil : Clay, chalk and marl

Site : In the heart of the Mâcon wine growing region, South of Burgundy. The two villages Viré and Clessé form a unique "terroir" on slopes facing South-East. In Viré, the soil is chalky with large layers of clay. In Clessé , the soil structure is slightly different with a combination of chalk and clay mixed with liasic marls combined with oyster- fossils which convey to the wine a specific minerality.This is one of the best white wines of the region combining suppleness and minerality.

The Vintage 2012 : After a very cold winter and a cold spring, the weather at the start of summer was quite demanding. It became fine again in the second half of August with hot temperatures. The harvest commenced early September under a bright sunshine. The combination of all those climatic factors has engendered a significant drop of the yields but quality is there. Meticulous vinifications have produced very pure white wines with beautiful aromas.

Tasting : Pale gold colour. Delicate fragrances of fern and lime blossom mixed with citrus fruit and fresh honey enhanced by a hint of minerality. Well-structured. Beautiful minerality. Well-integrated acidity. Generous aftertaste.

Food pairing : A fine, dry apéritif, great with light seafood and raw vegetable hors d'oeuvres.