Domaine André Bonhomme Macon-Villages Vieilles Vignes 2022
(Mâconnais, Burgundy, France)
Regular price $30.00 Sale price $24.97 Save $5.03
About the Domaine:
This is a true benchmark producer of the region. The humble domaine was founded in 1956 by André Bonhomme. Back then, André's father Joseph owned 4 hectares of vines that were sold under the Mâcon-Viré appellation. Through careful vine growing and vinification, André received enormous respect from his colleagues. He was not only the co-founder of the Independent Winemakers of the Saône-et-Loire; he also was one of the principal initiators of the new, higher quality Viré-Clessé appellation in the 1990's.
André has since passed the torch to his daughter Jacqueline and her husband Eric Palthey. They were later joined by their son Aurélien who acquired an oenology degree in 2007 and his brother Johan who subsequently completed his wine studies. The domaine presently covers 11 hectares located on the clay and limestone soils of both the Viré and Clessé communes.
About the Wine:
The family owns a couple of hectares outside the Viré-Clessé boundaries, from which they make this wine. It is aged in tank for 18 months, and shows floral and citrus aromas and flavors. They recommend it with goat cheese, charcuterie, seafood, frog's legs or escargots.
Domaine Andre Bonhomme is one of the finest estates in Southern Burgundy. They helped revolutionize the region, inspiring many producers to follow in their footsteps. They were one of the first to go organic as well as one of the first estates in the Maconnais to estate-bottle their wines.
Today, their wines are loved by many, and you'll see them on Michelin-starred wine lists throughout France and Western Europe. With demand high abroad, not much makes it to the US. I was an "early adopter" of their wines, and that is why I get my fair share of this wine.
Produced from 50+ year-old vines and fermented in stainless steel, this sees a nine month elevage in tank on the lies. Pouring a gorgeous golden color, it exhibits aromas and flavors of golden apple, peach, caramelized citrus, white flowers, and chalky mineral. The palate is full and ample yet zesty and vivacious, finishing long and enjoyable.