Guillemot-Michel, Vire-Clesse, Charleston – 2021

Guillemot-Michel, Viré-Clessé Charleston 2021 is a distinguished expression of Burgundy’s Mâconnais, showcasing the depth, concentration, and remarkable finesse of Chardonnay from the Viré-Clessé appellation. Produced from exceptionally old vines dating back to 1918 and farmed biodynamically, this limited-production cuvée is vinified and aged in older demi-muids, allowing the fruit, terroir, and natural mineral character to develop with impressive precision. The 2020 vintage combines ripe orchard and stone fruit with white flowers, honey, beeswax, subtle herbal nuances, and a pronounced chalky minerality, creating a powerful yet beautifully balanced Burgundy white wine.

Brilliant deep golden in color, it opens with an expressive and complex bouquet of ripe pear, crisp orchard fruit, white peach, yellow fruit, acacia blossom, clear honey, beeswax, and fresh mint, complemented by delicate pastry and mineral nuances. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with a remarkably smooth, satiny texture and impressive concentration. Layers of ripe orchard and stone fruit unfold alongside subtle honeyed, floral, and herbal notes, while vibrant acidity brings energy and freshness. A fine chalky and mineral grip provides structure and precision, balancing the wine’s richness and giving it a beautifully composed, multidimensional character.

The finish is long, refined, and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of ripe white and stone fruit, honey, beeswax, fresh herbs, citrus, and elegant mineral bitterness. Its combination of concentration, freshness, satiny texture, energetic acidity, and remarkable depth makes Guillemot-Michel Viré-Clessé Charleston 2021 an exceptional choice for lovers of premium French white wine, Burgundy Chardonnay, and age-worthy Mâconnais wines. With its structure and concentration, this is a wine that can develop additional complexity with careful cellaring.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, lobster, prawns, roasted or grilled white fish, fish in a creamy white sauce, roast chicken, poultry with cream sauce, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fresh goat cheese, and mature hard cheeses. Its richness and mineral structure make it particularly well suited to refined seafood and classic French cuisine.

Serving Suggestion: Best served at approximately 11°C. For the fullest expression of its concentration and complexity, allow the wine to breathe for around one hour before serving, giving its layers of orchard fruit, floral aromas, honey, mineral character, and subtle pastry nuances time to open beautifully in the glass.