It is in a far more discreet setting, compared with the Côte de Nuits that the de Villaine couple chose to establish themselves. A key ambassador for the inscription of Burgundy’s climats as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aubert de Villaine applied here the same exacting standards as at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: biodynamic vineyard management, organic certification, natural winemaking methods and grapes harvested and sorted entirely by hand. Here, the vines, averaging 45 years old, are planted exclusively on hillside slopes between 270 and 350 metres in altitude. Lean, limestone-rich soils naturally regulate yields, while the warm microclimate of the valley encourages optimal ripening.
Since 2001, Pierre de Benoist has gradually taken over the reins of the de Villaine estate (formerly known as A & P de Villaine). Whether from Mercurey, Rully or Bouzeron, the wines now rank among the finest of the Côte Chalonnaise. Enjoyed in their youth or after a few years in bottle, the estate’s distinctive white wines – Bouzeron being the only appellation in Burgundy whose wines must be made exclusively from Aligoté – reveal bright, lively acidity and moreish charm.

This cuvée was first made in the excellent 2015 vintage. The south-east-facing Chardonnay vines are cultivated organically. To craft it, Domaine de Villaine waited for the grapes to be fully ripe before harvesting them by hand and pressing them in whole bunches. The juice is clarified naturally before being transferred into wooden casks. The wine is then aged on lees for a year with no stirring. This maturation is refined by a further year in the bottle before being sold.
This is a clear, precise, and fruity wine. Amongst its aromatic bouquet we get notes of white flowers and chalk. Its acidity and bitterness on the palate are well-controlled. This wine can be enjoyed within ten years and will pair well with seafood dishes or a platter of creamy cheese.