Bruno Lorenzon, Bourgogne BLANC Clos Alfred 2022 (Chardonnay)

Description

Bruno Lorenzon, Bourgogne BLANC Clos Alfred 2022 (Chardonnay)

This wine is a pure, 100% Chardonnay sourced from the specific "Clos Alfred" lieu-dit. While legally labeled as a Bourgogne Blanc, the vineyard is situated within the village of Mercurey in the Côte Chalonnaise, benefitting from a terroir that outperforms its humble appellation. The site features deep, marly clay and limestone soils that contribute significant structure and mineral depth to the final wine. Bruno Lorenzon, a third-generation vigneron often referred to as the "maverick of Mercurey," treats this plot with the same meticulous attention to detail as his Premier Cru holdings, resulting in a wine of exceptional precision.

The 2022 vintage in Burgundy was characterized by a warm, sunny growing season that delivered both quantity and quality—a relief after low yields in previous years. The heat allowed for optimal ripening, producing fruit with generous concentration, yet the vintage is noted for retaining surprising freshness and vibrancy. Lorenzon’s farming practices are legendary in the region; he utilizes high-density planting and trains his vines higher than average to maximize photosynthesis while shading the fruit. Although he recently moved away from official certification to avoid administrative restrictions, he has farmed organically and biodynamically for over three decades, ensuring the soil has remained free of synthetic chemicals for more than 30 years.

In the glass, the Clos Alfred 2022 displays a brilliant, luminous golden hue with excellent clarity. The nose is expressive and complex, offering a bouquet of white-fleshed fruits such as fresh pear and white peach, interwoven with delicate floral notes of acacia and honeysuckle. Secondary aromas of brioche, fresh hazelnut, and a whisper of vanilla emerge, a testament to the high-quality oak usage. On the palate, this wine is dry and medium-bodied, striking a balance between a velvety, textural richness and a chiselled, saline acidity. Flavors of citrus zest, nectarine, and wet stone persist through a long, energetic finish that showcases the wine's tension and purity.

Bruno Lorenzon’s winemaking philosophy is defined by "minimum intervention, maximum understanding." His unique background as a cooper allows him to personally select wood and craft his own barrels, using a light toast that respects the fruit rather than masking it. For the Clos Alfred, the wine is typically fermented with native yeasts and aged for approximately 12 months in a combination of barrels (about one-third) and stainless steel or larger vats, followed by a resting period in tank to harmonize before bottling without filtration. This regimen preserves the crystalline definition of the fruit while adding subtle structural complexity.

This Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with American coastal cuisine. It would be a perfect match for pan-seared scallops with a lemon-herb butter, where the wine's salinity mirrors the seafood and its acidity cuts through the rich butter. Alternatively, serve it with a classic roast chicken with thyme and root vegetables; the wine's textural weight can stand up to the savory roasted flavors while elevating the dish with its floral aromatics.

While specific professional ratings for the 2022 vintage of this specific cuvée are still trickling in, Bruno Lorenzon is widely considered a "critic's darling" and one of the top producers in the Côte Chalonnaise. His wines frequently garner scores in the 90-93 point range from major publications like the Wine Advocate, often rivaling wines from the Côte d'Or that cost twice as much. User reviews on platforms like CellarTracker consistently rate the 2022 Clos Alfred around 91 points, praising its balance of ripeness and minerality. It represents outstanding value for those seeking Premier Cru quality in a Bourgogne Blanc package.