Sainte Marie Vielles Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023

Description

Sainte Marie Vielles Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023

This wine is a pure expression of 100% Chardonnay, sourced from "Vieilles Vignes" (old vines) that impart depth and concentration often missing in entry-level Burgundy. Produced as a special project by the renowned Chablis producer Jean-Marc Brocard for importer Kysela Père et Fils, this bottling bridges the gap between the mineral tension of Chablis and the approachable ripeness of the wider Mâconnais.

The 2023 vintage in Burgundy was characterized by a warm growing season and a generous crop, resulting in wines that are fruit-forward, sunny, and approachable in their youth. Unlike the leaner years, 2023 offered ample sunshine that ripened the grapes fully while preserving essential freshness. The fruit for this specific cuvée hails from the Chablis region, grown on Portlandian limestone soils. This unique terroir—distinct from the clay-heavy soils of the Côte d'Or—infuses the wine with a signature flinty minerality and saline backbone that defies its humble regional appellation.

In the glass, the wine presents a pristine, pale yellow color with vibrant green hues, indicating its freshness and lack of oxidation. The nose is expressive and aromatic, opening with a bouquet of white flowers, particularly honeysuckle and acacia, layered over notes of bitter orange, lemongrass, and a distinct strike of wet stone or flint. As it opens, hints of fresh Anjou pear and green apple emerge, complicating the primary citrus profile.

On the palate, this Chardonnay is medium-bodied and technically dry, though the ripeness of the vintage gives it a welcoming, fruit-driven attack. The texture is round and slightly creamy—a result of full malolactic fermentation—yet it remains energetic and lifted. Flavors of white peach, lemon curd, and a subtle whisper of fresh butter coat the mouth, leading to a finish that is long, mouth-watering, and notably saline. The acidity is ripe rather than sharp, making for a seamless and balanced drinking experience.

Winemaking here prioritizes purity and terroir expression. The grapes are machine-harvested and pressed pneumatically before undergoing fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel vats. To preserve the crisp fruit character and mineral edge, no oak is used; instead, the wine is aged on its fine lees for approximately six months in stainless steel. This contact with the lees adds the savory texture and "fat" to the mid-palate without introducing the vanilla or spice notes associated with barrel aging.

This wine's combination of zesty acidity and round texture makes it a versatile partner for the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled swordfish or mahi-mahi topped with a lemon-caper butter, where the wine's saline finish mirrors the seafood's brine. Alternatively, try it with a classic roast chicken with herbs, or a board of semi-hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère, which highlight the wine's nutty undertones.

While specific scores for the 2023 vintage are still forthcoming, the 2022 vintage received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, establishing this label as a consistent over-performer in its category. It represents exceptional value, offering the pedigree of a top Chablis producer at a fraction of the price of a Premier Cru.