Discover the elegance of the **Meurgey-Croses Viré-Clessé Vieilles Vignes**, a distinguished White Burgundy crafted from 100% Chardonnay sourced from vines averaging 65 years old in the heart of the Viré-Clessé appellation. Nestled on the south-east-facing slopes of "Il Monte," at an altitude of 350m, this vineyard benefits from excellent drainage, preserving the vibrancy and freshness of its grapes. The winemaking process combines stainless steel vinification with 20% maturation in 450-600 liter oak barrels, resulting in a medium-bodied wine with a creamy texture, bright acidity, and a harmonized blend of ripe citrus, fresh white fruits, and subtle mineral nuances. Ideal for pairing with shellfish, poultry, and goat cheese, this biodynamic wine captures the pure expression of the Mâconnais terroir in every elegant sip.
Process & Profile
This Chardonnay is sourced from Clessé, a prestigious village situated in the heart of the Viré-Clessé appellation. The vines, averaging 65 years old, thrive on a southeast-facing slope known as "Il Monte" at 350 meters altitude. These conditions ensure a remarkable balance of freshness and complexity in the grapes, aided by well-drained clay-limestone soils.
The wine is mostly vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve vibrancy, while 20% of the older vines are fermented and aged in 450-600 liter oak barrels, lending a nuanced depth to the profile. Bottling occurs at the end of spring, ensuring freshness is locked into each bottle.
Tasting Notes
This white Burgundy delights with its medium-bodied structure, creamy texture, and vibrant acidity. Notes of ripe peach, zesty citrus, and baking spices dominate the palate, with subtle oak nuances and a distinctive mineral finish that lingers elegantly. The wine's balance of bright fruit and complex layers is testament to its meticulous vinification process.
What Makes It Special
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Old-Vine Heritage: The "Vieilles Vignes" designation reflects the 65-year average age of the vines, contributing to the wine's concentrated flavors and complexity.
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Purist Winemaking: Following a biodynamic philosophy, the winemaking avoids a homogenized style, focusing on preserving the unique identity of the Viré-Clessé terroir.
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Unique Blend of Techniques: Partial oak fermentation adds texture and depth, while stainless steel vinification keeps the wine fresh and vibrant, achieving the perfect balance.
How to Enjoy
Meurgey-Croses Viré-Clessé "Vieilles Vignes" pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as shellfish and grilled fish, as well as white meats, poultry, and goat cheeses. Serve slightly chilled at 10-12°C (50-54°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and lively acidity.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as a complement to an elegant meal, this wine offers a true taste of Burgundy, perfect for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wine is the Meurgey-Croses Viré-Clessé "Vieilles Vignes"?
This is a white Burgundy wine made entirely from Chardonnay grapes. It reflects the unique terroir of the M√¢connais region in France, with a focus on elegance and freshness.
Where is the wine produced?
The Meurgey-Croses Viré-Clessé "Vieilles Vignes" comes from vineyards in the village of Clessé, situated in the heart of the Viré-Clessé appellation in Burgundy, France.
What is the age of the vines used in this wine?
The vines for this wine have an average age of 65 years, contributing to its complexity and depth of flavor.
How is this wine vinified?
Approximately 80% of the wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and minerality, while the remaining 20% is fermented and aged in 450-600 liter oak barrels to add depth and a subtle texture.
What does the wine pair well with?
This wine pairs beautifully with shellfish, fish dishes, poultry, and goat cheeses. Its balanced acidity and freshness make it a versatile choice for various cuisines.
What are the tasting notes for this wine?
The wine offers a combination of citrus and peach flavors, with hints of baking spice and a balanced lemony acidity. Over time, it develops notes of quince jam, spice, and brown butter for added complexity.
How is the vineyard managed?
The vineyard is managed with biodynamic farming practices, ensuring harmony between agriculture and the environment.
What is the alcohol content?
The wine has an alcohol content of 13%, which is typical for white Burgundy wines.
When is the wine bottled?
The wine is bottled at the end of spring following the harvest, ensuring it preserves its bright and fresh characteristics.
Who is the winemaker behind this wine?
The wine is crafted by Pierre Meurgey, a fourth-generation Burgundian wine expert devoted to showcasing the unique terroirs of Burgundy through meticulous vineyard management and production practices.