Chavy-Chouet Les Meurées Maranges 2022

Chavy-Chouet is run by Romaric Chavy, who took over the family estate in Burgundy at 22 after training across several vineyards. This Chardonnay comes from the Les Meurées lieu-dit in Maranges, at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, and is farmed organically. The limestone and marl soils typical of the Côte give Burgundian Chardonnay its cut and mineral length, while the cool continental climate keeps acidity firm and ripening measured. The wine is aged for around ten months in foudre, large oak vessels that allow slow, gentle oxygen exchange and lees contact while adding far less oak flavour than small new barrels. That extended time on the lees, combined with malolactic fermentation, converts the sharper malic acidity to softer lactic acidity and builds a creamy, faintly nutty texture without heavy vanilla or toast. The wine is pale gold. The nose opens with green apple and ripe pineapple, moving to hazelnut, a light toasted note and a suggestion of vanilla. The palate is medium to full-bodied and rounded, the oak folded into the fruit, with fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass.