Saint-Véran Climat “La Bonnode” AOC 2022

Tasting Notes for Saint-Véran Climat “La Bonnode” AOC 2022 by La Soufrandière

Colour & Appearance

A radiant, bright golden yellow in the glass.

Nose

A fascinating interplay between cool and masterfully ripened notes. The opening reveals juicy lemon, pips and citrus zest, underpinned by green pineapple, star fruit and ripe greengage. A subtle mineral character of smoke, wet stones and rich nut imparts an elegant complexity to the aromatic bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this Chardonnay surprises with astonishing vitality and masterful balance. Despite the warmth of the 2022 vintage, the wine convinces with gripping tension, a dense body and a refreshing vein. Southern-influenced citrus fruit meets juicy yellow stone fruit, carried by a fine salinity and creamy texture.

Terroir & Origin

The two-hectare La Bonnode vineyard sits at an altitude of 250 metres at the foot of the Roche de Vergisson in the southern Mâconnais. The approximately 35-year-old vines are rooted in mineral-rich calcareous marl and light clay. Since 2006, the estate run by brothers Jean-Philippe, Jean-Guillaume and Marc-Antoine Bret has worked strictly according to Demeter-certified biodynamic guidelines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A single-vineyard Chardonnay, hand-harvested between late August and early September. Whole bunches were gently pressed and fermented with soft intervention using spontaneous fermentation. The 17-month ageing took place in large oak vats (fudres) as well as 228-litre oak barrels, completed by malolactic fermentation. Bottling was carried out unfiltered with minimal sulphur additions.

Food Pairings

Excellent alongside smoked haddock brandade with lemon yoghurt, savoury butternut squash tartlets with fresh goat’s cheese, or a rich vegetable and mushroom gratin with seafood.

Key Features

A masterpiece of biodynamic viticulture, demonstrating how much freshness and poise can be coaxed from the terroir in the south of Burgundy, even in warm years.