Domaine Michel Chavet et Fils, 'Mâcon-Davayé', 2023, Mâcon-Davayé (AOC)

'One-Liner'
Pure, unoaked Mâconnais Chardonnay – citrus, white flowers and orchard fruit with fine lees texture and a lively, mineral finish.

Tasting Note
Bright pale yellow with green reflections, opening with fresh aromas of lemon, citrus blossom and white flowers alongside crisp orchard fruit. The palate is clean and beautifully balanced, with Chardonnay’s gentle roundness kept firmly in check by lively acidity. Ageing on the fine lees brings a little extra texture through the middle without sacrificing the wine’s bright, unoaked character. Subtle mineral notes emerge beneath the fruit, giving the wine more definition than its easy-going style might initially suggest. Fresh and elegant on the finish, with citrus and delicate floral notes lingering behind.

Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Sub-Region: Macon-Davaye AOC
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
The Chavet family’s roots in Davayé stretch back to the nineteenth century, with the family first planting Chardonnay here after the First World War. Today Christophe and Chrystelle Chavet continue the estate from its base close to the dramatic limestone outcrops of Solutré and Vergisson. Their Mâcon-Davayé comes from deeper clay-limestone and clay-silt soils, generally on cooler north-east and west-facing sites. After gentle pneumatic pressing and settling, the juice is fermented in stainless steel and undergoes malolactic fermentation before resting on its fine lees until March. With no oak to obscure the fruit, it is a particularly clear expression of southern Burgundy Chardonnay: citrus-led, floral, fresh and quietly mineral.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Salmon lasagne with herbs and lemon
- Vegetarian: Potato rösti with soured cream, chives and a little lemon zest
- Vegan: Warm potato salad with mustard, dill and cornichons