Saint-Véran Climat “La Bonnode” Zen AOC 2022

Wine description for Saint-Véran Climat »La Bonnode« Zen AOC 2022 by La Soufrandière

Colour & appearance

Pale golden yellow, clear and with a youthful sheen.

Nose

An intriguing dual structure: green and yellow lemon (juice and zest) meet nuances of walnut and sherry – a touch of oxidation that lends complexity. Accompanied by smoke and fine stony notes.

Palate

Compared to the regular »La Bonnode«, this cuvée feels silkier and more sensual, with greater creaminess. The acidity is more deeply integrated yet remains firm and assertive. Clear, juicy freshness with citrus, a hint of toffee, green pineapple and green pear.

Finish

Mineral and saline – the calcareous marl of the east-facing vineyard site at the foot of the Roche de Vergisson makes its presence distinctly felt.

Terroir & origin

The La Bonnode parcel in Saint-Véran: an east-facing site at 250 m altitude, at the foot of the Roche de Vergisson. Calcareous marl with light clay – ideal for Chardonnay. The 35-year-old vines are largely surrounded by old shrubs. Two hectares that truly have it all.

Grape variety & vinification

Chardonnay, whole-bunch pressed, spontaneously fermented. 17 months’ maturation in foudres and 228-litre casks, malolactic fermentation completed. Harvest: 29 August to 3 September 2022. Minimally sulphured (37 mg/l total sulphur).

Food recommendations

Lemongrass tofu with wild broccoli and spring onions – the wine’s citrus and herbal aromas mirror the Asian spicing. Chicken souvlaki with rice – the saline minerality carries the Mediterranean herb profile. Razor clams with sherry – here the wine’s oxidative notes meet the sherry in the sauce.

Special features

One of four »Zen« maturation lines from the estate: brothers Jean-Philippe, Jean-Guillaume and Marc-Antoine Bret vinify La Bonnode in parallel across different styles – Zen appears fresh and powerful, yet simultaneously displays that walnut-sherry fusion otherwise achieved only through extended cask ageing or oxidation. The estate has been certified organic (Ecocert) since 2003 and biodynamic (Demeter) since 2006.