2023 Domaine de la Denante Mâcon-Verzé Blanc

100% organic (uncertified) Chardonnay from 30+ year-old vines. 90% fermented in stainless steel tanks, 10% fermented and matured in French oak barrels. Native yeasts only. Full malolactic conversion. Matured about 6 months on the fine lees. Both the stainless and barrel fermented wine are then blended for a richer, creamier texture without any perceptible oaky nose or taste. 13.5% alcohol. 

This is a wonderful value on classic, clean, fresh white Burgundy. Classic yellow orchard fruit- apples and pears- alongside fresh lemon and a hint of tropical mango. There’s a salty, chalky minerality running through the wine and just the tiniest hint of smokey vanilla oak. Brisk but balanced acidity makes the mouth water on the long finish. 

Named after nearby river La Denante which runs through the village of Davayé just West of the city of Mâcon, Domaine de la Denante was established in 1975 by Damien’s father Robert Martin, with just six acres of vines. The winery itself is at the foot of the historic Rock of Solutré and now has around 75 acres spread across Davayé, Verzé, Saint-Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé. Now in the hands of the second generation, there is a renewed focus on the vineyard and fruit, on reducing yields, and vinifying different sites and parcels independently to give a greater range of base wines for villages blends. It seemed only natural that Damien decided to follow in his father’s footsteps as there is a strong history of winemaking in the family – his grandfather is the founder of Domaine de la Croix Senaillet, also in Davayé, which is now run by Damien’s uncles.