Maison Valette Mâcon-Villages

Maison Valette Mâcon-Villages is a single variety Chardonnay from Philippe and Cécile Valette, the third generation at this small family estate in the south of Burgundy. The vines have been farmed organically for over twenty years and biodynamically since 1992, and all the wines are made with minimal intervention, using indigenous yeasts. This bottling is a blend of four consecutive vintages, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, which brings a subtly evolved, layered character. Mâcon sits on limestone and clay soils that give Chardonnay here weight and a mineral core, while the wide day to night temperature range preserves acidity. The wine is aged twenty four months in oak barrels, a long élevage under which slow oxygen exchange, extended lees contact and malolactic fermentation build a rich, honeyed texture and a nutty, oxidative complexity while softening the acidity. The colour is deep gold. The nose shows honey, ripe pear and beeswax over toasted hazelnut, almond and a note of toast, with a lemon freshness beneath. The palate is broad, textured and dry, with a long, savoury finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a full white glass. It suits richer white fish, poultry and hard cheeses.