Domaine Chevrot Maranges Blanc 2023

Chardonnay vines are grown on a beautiful south-facing terrace of limestone and granite gravel, on slopes with a 25% gradient. Soils here are deep but poor in nutrients. The vineyard’s proximity to the river Cozanne means it benefits from a broad diurnal range, resulting in grapes that reach ideal levels on phenolic ripeness while retaining a good level of acidity. All of the domaine’s vineyards are organically farmed without the use of fertilisers. Its two draft horses, Valentine and Hotesse, help work the land to control unwanted vegetation and are considered to be integral members of the Chevrot team.

The grapes were harvested early in the morning to preserve freshness and aromatics and transported immediately to the winery. A gentle pressing took place to extract only the best juice following a settling period, until the next morning. Fermentation took place in oak barrels, with indigenous yeasts, at temperatures between 15°C and 23°C for around 1 month, with full malolactic fermentation allowed. The wine was then aged for a total of 18 months of which 12 months in French oak and the remaining 6 months in stainless steel, before being bottled and released.