Domaine Chanson Le Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023
(Burgundy, France) - [WE 91]

About the Winery:
Domaine Chanson is one of the great historic producers in Burgundy. Founded in 1750, they are 1 of only 6 producers in the region still remaining from the 18th century and earlier. Most critical to today, Chanson was purchased in 1999 and has been dramatically restored to once again become one of Burgundy’s top estates, best signified in 2017 by 3 of their wines earning “wine of the year” plaudits from the most renowned wine critic in France.

Chanson has extensive holdings of over 111 acres of exclusively Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in the heart of Burgundy. This includes 62 acres of Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte de Beaune, making them one of the leading Premier Cru specialists in the appellation. They produce approximately 17,000 cases of domaine wine per year from their vineyards by farming organically, and harvesting all grapes and vinifying all wines, even for contracted vineyards.

Requiring diligent viticulture and perfect ripeness, they vinify all whites and reds 100% whole cluster at their state of the art facility on the outskirts of Beaune. They use Champagne-style fractional pressing to gently extract the juice, and then age wines in barrel, with no more than 30% new oak for the reds and 20% new oak for the whites.

Aging takes place in the Bastion they own, 1 of the 5 massive towers from the 15th century fortifications that encircle the heart of medieval Beaune. Remarkably, Chanson acquired the Bastion just after the French Revolution. The thickness of the Bastion’s walls (an astonishing 24 feet thick at the base) ensure a constant temperature and level of humidity. The red wines are stored for 18-24 months in oak barrels in the vaulted cellars of the first 3 levels, each one dedicated to a separate vintage. On the 4th level, a huge circular cellar with a gigantic radial structure supported by chestnut beams shelters the white wines during fermentation, vinification and ageing in oak barrels.

Chanson’s wines are defined by lifted and exotic aromas, a supple texture, and rich, dense fruit without heaviness. Chanson is notably obsessed with maintaining top quality across its entire range. The regional and village wines are produced with the same precision and care as the Premier and Grand Crus, and are also artisanal in production. Chanson today occupies a unique position in offering outstanding and authentic wines from a range of both top and up-and-coming terroirs across Burgundy.

About this Wine:
A great introduction to Domaine Chanson, this Bourgogne Chardonnay comes from vineyards in Auxerrois, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais, with limestone and clay soils. It spends 14 months aging, allowing it to develop its full expression. Pale gold in color, it offers intense aromas of citrus fruit, green almond, and an underlying minerality. On the palate, it is well-balanced, with pure fruit flavors and a racy acidity. The structure is clean and dynamic, and the finish is refreshingly crisp. Perfect with charcuterie, pâté, and goat cheese.

Tasting Notes:
Pale gold color. Delicate floral fragrances mixed with citrus fruit and a hint of minerality. Well-structured and precise with a well-integrated acidity. Refreshing aftertaste with zesty notes.

Ratings & Reviews (2022 vintage)

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Ripe and round aromas of red apple, white tea, and wet river rock lead the nose of this wine. The palate is textured and balanced, with racy acidity cutting through layers of citrus pith and white peach. What makes this wine so enjoyable is its delicate, salty finish that keeps it fresh and easy to drink now. Chablis lovers will appreciate the finesse and exceptional value here." — Anna-Christina Cabrales (Nov 2025)