There’s a twofold problem with Burgundy these days. Firstly, it has been and will always be the reference point for quality, terroir driven, small lot winemaking. Secondly, supply is dwindling with every passing harvest. Literally, yields continue to be lower and lower – putting unprecedented pressure on pricing. Yet we remain suckers for it … paying, in some instances twice the price of our favorite labels from just a few short years ago. Translation, money in our pocket doesn’t make us happier than a good bottle of Burgundy.
At the risk of putting too many people in the know … it’s time to share our recent Burgundy addiction. Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is a tiny estate in the Maconnais run by husband and wife duo, Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon. Early in his winemaking career, Frantz honed his skills at Olivier Merlin. Not to be outdone, Caroline holds the position of Head Winemaker at Heritiers du Comte Lafon (yeah, Dominique’s property in the Maconnais). The debate continues over who is more skilled, but one thing that cannot be disputed is their combined talent makes for a powerhouse – no matter how small their production.
Committed to entirely organic practices, their approach in the region is among the most deliberate in all of Burgundy. Making site specific, terroir focused wines with minimalist techniques. The resulting wines are quite literally, mind bending. We’re happy to share a very small amount of their Saint Veran La Roche 2021. A wine stunning richness, purity, intense minerality and well-integrated salinity. With just 80 cases of total production – you can imagine how very little arrived to us here in the U.S. Run, don’t walk towards this one. |
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