Domaine Chanson
Viré-Clessé 2022
Viré-Clessé, Burgundy
Chanson’s regional wine, Viré Clessé is one of the best white wines of the region, combining suppleness and minerality. The appellation lies in the heart of the Mâcon appellation in the south of Burgundy. The two villages, Viré and Clessé form a unique terroir on south-east facing slopes. In Viré, the soil is chalky with large layers of clay. In Clessé, the soil structure is slightly different, with a combination of chalk and clay mixed with liasic marls combined with oyster-fossils, giving the wine an underlying minerality. It’s produced from a combination of Chardonnay and Chardonnay Muscaté grapes.
VINEYARD
The two villages, Viré and Clessé form a unique terroir on south-east facing slopes. In Viré, the soil is chalky with large layers of clay. In Clessé, the soil structure is slightly different, with a combination of chalk and clay mixed with liasic marls combined with oyster-fossils, giving the wine an underlying minerality.
WINEMAKING
The wine is for the most part left alone, as the philosophy is one of “infusion rather than construction.” Chanson also strives to maximize the preservation of fresh fruit characteristics, which is why grapes are chilled immediately on arrival in a proprietary tunnel that provides a very quick chill with no oxygen exposure. Then, Champagne-style fractional pressing is practiced to gently extract the purest juice. Viré-Clessé is aged entirely in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness and bright fruit. It is aged on lees for added roundness, creaminess.
VINTAGE
After a very mild winter, spring arrived with warm temperatures in March which engendered a very quick and sustained growth of the vines. After a very short frost episode early May with no consequence in the vineyards, a mild weather with some rains settled down until end of June. Summer was punctuated in July by several and quite long heat waves. Vineyards with a clay soil were less affected by the low level of rainfalls during spring and by the summer heat. The harvest in Burgundy started around August 20, which was historically early for the region. 2020 white wines are showing a lot of energy, with a very precise texture and a beautiful aromatic combination of exotic fruit mixed with yellow fleshed fruit and toasted bread.
TASTING NOTE
Pale gold colour. Refreshing floral fragrances mixed with white and yellow orchard fruit on a hint of minerality. Well-balanced and precise. Refreshing finish with lemony tinges.
FOOD PAIRING
A fine, dry apéritif, great with light seafood and raw vegetable hors d’oeuvres.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
Appellation
Viré-Clessé, Burgundy
Alcohol
13%
Suggested Retail Price
$27.00
Reviews
"Slithers of sliced peach"
Vinous - August 18, 2023 "The 2022 Viré-Clessé has an intense and well-defined bouquet: yellow fruit, melted wax and slithers of sliced peach. The palate is well-defined with a lovely, resinous texture. Balanced and poised, there are touches of stem ginger towards the harmonious and persistent finish - an excellent Viré-Clessé."- N.M 8/23
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Nuits-Saint-Georges
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The area of production is located in the commune of Nuits Saint Georges, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits. The grapes are sourced from selected plots of vineyard South of the village, at the border of the "Premier Cru" area.
Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge 1er Cru
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Chanson is one of the major owners of Clos des Mouches with a vineyard of 4.5 hectares. Ideal location on the hill at the southern end of the vineyards of Beaune on a spur pointing toward Pommard. A plot of 2.5 hectares is planted with Pinot Noir on a limestone subsoil covered with clay.
Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes
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A Chanson "monopole" in the very heart of the first Growths vineyards of Beaune. The vineyard covering 3.80 ha is located on a mid slope. The "Clos des Fèves" was already known in the 14th century under the latin word "Fae".
Beaune Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru
Burgundy, France
"Les Marconnets" are located in the Northern hint of the Appelation Beaune 1er Cru. The name of this vineyard referred to the german tribe "Marcomans". Chanson owns 4 ha, i.e, 40% of the vineyard.
Charmes-Chambertin
Charmes-Chambertin, Burgundy
This climat "Charmes" is located on a mid slope facing east in the Southern part of the village of Gevrey Chambertin. One of its nearest neighbour is the famous of "Chambertin".
Charmes-Chambertin
Charmes-Chambertin, Burgundy
This climat "Charmes" is located on a mid slope facing east in the Southern part of the village of Gevrey Chambertin. One of its nearest neighbour is the famous of "Chambertin".
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres Domaine
Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy
The vineyard is ideally located nearby the famous Montrachet and Chevalier Montrachet. It has a southeast exposure. The high proportion of clay gives to the wine a specific minerality which underlines the typicality of the Chardonnay. The vines are planted at regular distance of each other which enables deep ploughing of the soil.
Gevrey-Chambertin La Perriere 1er Cru
Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy
Gevrey Chambertin is the most famous appellation of the "Côte de Nuits" and the climat "La Perrière" is located in the heart of the Premier Cru area. The grapes are sourced from a partner winegrower but are picked by members of the Chanson team.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes Domaine
Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy
Chanson’s 2 hectare plot is located next door to the famous terroir “Le Montrachet.” The soil most consists of clay and limestone with the famous stone of Chassagne and is clearly mineral. The vineyards have a peculiar aspect; they are made up of small blocks entangled into each other. With its east exposure, on the road to Saint Aubin, this plot benefits from the fresh air which gives the wine very pure and refreshing aromas.
Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Vergelesses Domaine
Pernand-Vergelesses, Burgundy
Chanson owns a vineyard of 5.4 hectares in Premier Cru “Les Vergelesses.” The plot is located in a hollow at the bottom of the hill of Corton and its clay and limestone sol combination gives wines a very specific structure.
