Saint-Véran Climat “La Bonnode” Zen AOC 2020

La Bonnode borders the vineyard La Combe DesRoches and covers two hectares at an altitude of 250 metres, facing east at the foot of the Roche de Vergisson. The 35-year-old vines are mostly surrounded by old shrubs. The soils of calcareous marl and light clay are ideal for Chardonnay. The harvest took place from 27 to 31 August 2020, about three weeks earlier than in 2019. The Chardonnay was pressed from whole clusters and fermented spontaneously. It then matured for over 17 months in barrels and in pièces of 228 litres. Malolactic fermentation followed. The added sulphur is at the Cuvée Zen only at 20 mg/l.

pronounced straw colour

The 2020 La Bonnode Cuvée Zen differs from the classic cuvée by 15 mg less sulphur. This reduction in sulphur changes the wine in that the bouquet is a little more austere and firm, a little more yeasty and spicy. Of course, the successful citrus freshness is also evident here in combination with slightly creamy notes. Lemons, their peels and a slight lemoncurd variation mix here with crushed oyster shells, lime, chalk, dry herbs and verbena. But there is also a note of blond tobacco, some graphite, juniper and a hint of charcoal.

Also on the palate, the La Bonnode Cuvée Zen determined by coolness and clarity. The wine seems - who would be surprised with less sulphur - more open. The jacket has already been taken off, the first button opened. The clarity remains, the fruit is somewhat warmer than in the classic cuvée. There is more orange than lemon, more yellow than green pear. In addition, there is also the slightly tart and spicy, slightly tobacco finish with a certain tannin, but also more yeasty silkiness. The acidity is brilliant and provides a lot of energy.