Domaine André Bonhomme Vire-Clesse "En Boulaise Sous Les Rapilleres" 2023

Winemaking

Domaine André Bonhomme is a respected family estate in Viré-Clessé, known for producing Chardonnays that emphasize mineral expression and terroir fidelity. The domaine practices careful vineyard management and traditional winemaking techniques that allow the limestone-rich soils to speak clearly in the glass, favoring precision over extraction.

Tasting Notes

This is a mineral-driven Chardonnay of considerable refinement. On the nose, you'll find white flowers, green apple, and hazelnut, with a whisper of flint that signals the wine's limestone origins. The palate is crisp and focused, with citrus and stone fruit flavors moving into a creamy mid-palate that provides textural balance without heaviness. Fine acidity carries the wine through to a clean, persistent finish marked by saline minerality—a hallmark of this terroir.

Producer

Domaine André Bonhomme is a small, quality-focused estate within the Viré-Clessé appellation, one of Burgundy's premier white wine microclimates. The domaine's commitment to sustainable viticulture and measured oak use reflects a philosophy centered on allowing the vineyard's natural character to define the finished wine.

Terroir

Viré-Clessé, located in the southern Mâconnais region of Burgundy, sits on distinctive Jurassic limestone soils that impart a characteristic salinity and mineral bite to Chardonnay. The appellation's elevation and favorable southeast exposure create ideal conditions for ripening Chardonnay while retaining the crisp acidity that defines these wines. The combination of chalky, clay-limestone soils and a continental-influenced climate produces wines of remarkable focus and aging potential.

Food Pairings

Serve this wine alongside seared scallops with brown butter and lemon, where its acidity and mineral character will cut through the richness beautifully. It's equally at home with roasted chicken with herbs and a cream sauce, or simply with fresh oysters and crusty bread—a pairing that celebrates the wine's briny, flint-like finish.