Marcel Couturier Bourgogne Blanc 2023

This Bourgogne Blanc is a vibrant introduction to Marcel Couturier’s cellar-worthy, vineyard-first style in the Mâconnais. The 2023 opens with a “springtime” lift—lime blossom and chamomile—followed by ripe yellow fruit and a clean, limestone-mineral edge. On the palate it’s fuller than you’d expect for Bourgogne Blanc, but still driven by bright, racy acidity and an impressively long finish. It’s indulgent without being heavy—exactly the kind of Burgundy white you can pour on a weeknight and still feel like you’re treating yourself.

Quick Facts

• Region: Burgundy, France (Mâconnais; vineyards near Loché)

• Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc

• Producer: Domaine Couturier (Marcel Couturier; with Cladie & Auxence Couturier)

• Vintage: 2023

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay

• Vine Age: 15–20 years

• Elevation: ~200m

• Soils: Schist topsoil over calcareous clay subsoil; limestone influence

• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert) & Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)

• Harvest/Pressing: Handpicked; whole-bunch press; ~2 days static settling

• Fermentation: Spontaneous with ambient yeasts in older Burgundy barrels (10–15 years old)

• Malolactic: Spontaneous

• Aging: ~8 months in barrel on lees; no bâtonnage; racked once pre-bottling

• Fining/Filtration: Unfined; light filtration

• Vegan: Yes

Tasting Profile

• Body: Medium (fleshy but focused)

• Acidity: Fine, racy, refreshing

• Primary fruit: Ripe yellow fruit (stone fruit / orchard fruit)

• Floral: Lime blossom, chamomile

• Minerality: Limestone-chalk lift; clean, stony tension

• Texture: Barrel-fermented richness balanced by bright line of acidity

• Finish: Long, juicy, energetic

Why We Love It

If you want “real Burgundy” character without the Premier Cru price tag, this is a slam dunk. It’s also a great bridge bottle: Burgundy lovers appreciate the barrel-fermented texture and mineral finish, while newer Chardonnay drinkers love the purity of fruit and easy drinkability. Plus, Couturier’s farming credentials and longevity story make it an easy hand-sell.

Winemaking

Couturier takes a low-intervention, precision-driven approach: hand harvesting, whole-bunch pressing, and spontaneous fermentations in older barrels to emphasize texture without obvious oak flavor. The wine stays in barrel on lees (without bâtonnage) to build structure and length while preserving clarity and freshness.

Serving & Pairing

Serve chilled (48–52°F).

Great pairings:

• Roast chicken, turkey, or pork with herbs

• Seared scallops, halibut, or salmon

• Pasta with lemon, crème fraîche, or mushroom sauces

• Grilled vegetables and spring salads

• Soft cheeses (brie-style) and mild alpine cheeses

Estate Overview

Domaine Couturier was founded in 2005 by Marcel Couturier, a renowned vigneron in the southern Mâconnais. Based near Fuissé/Loché, the domaine farms around 11 hectares of Chardonnay across multiple Mâconnais appellations, with a strong emphasis on soil health, regenerative practices, and transparent terroir expression. With the next generation now deeply involved, the estate has become a reference point for age-worthy, biodynamic Chardonnay that consistently over-delivers for the category.