Du Grappin Vezélay Blanc 2022

Andrew and Emma Nielsen of Le Grappin make this Chardonnay from the Vezelay district in the far north of Burgundy, working with a natural, low-intervention approach. The fruit comes from the Merlutte vineyard, where vines of more than thirty-five years grow on the Kimmeridgian-influenced clay and limestone soils that stretch through this cool northern corner of the region. The climate is marginal and continental, so ripening is slow and the grapes keep high acidity, which is the backbone of the wine. It is aged twelve months on its lees with no new oak, and that extended lees contact releases mannoproteins that give a creamy texture and a faint bready depth while leaving the fruit fresh and unmarked by wood. The colour is pale lemon green. The nose is green apple and lemon with white flowers and a hint of fresh dough from the lees. The palate is dry and mineral, with a creamy mid-weight texture over a firm acid line and a clean, stony finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees.