Guillemot-Michel, Vire-Clesse, Quintaine – 2020

Guillemot-Michel, Viré-Clessé Quintaine 2020 is a refined and terroir-driven expression of Burgundy’s Mâconnais, showcasing the purity, concentration, and mineral character of 100% Chardonnay from the Viré-Clessé appellation. Quintaine is the historic signature cuvée of Domaine Guillemot-Michel, produced from old Chardonnay vines around the hamlet of Quintaine and cultivated biodynamically. The warm and dry 2020 vintage produced naturally concentrated, structured wines, while the estate’s mineral-rich terroir preserves freshness and energy, resulting in an elegant Burgundy white wine with impressive depth and ageing potential.

Brilliant golden in color, it opens with an expressive bouquet of ripe pear, citrus fruits, white peach, exotic fruit, delicate white flowers, and subtle mineral nuances. On the palate, it is beautifully textured and concentrated, revealing layers of ripe orchard fruit, pear, citrus, and tropical fruit supported by lively, refreshing acidity. A fine mineral character gives the wine precision and energy, while its rounded fruit profile brings generosity and depth. The balance between maturity and freshness is particularly impressive, with a subtle saline quality and finely structured finish adding further complexity.

The finish is long, fresh, energetic, and beautifully persistent, leaving lingering notes of ripe pear, citrus, exotic fruit, subtle floral tones, and elegant mineral bitterness. Its combination of ripe Chardonnay fruit, concentration, crystalline freshness, saline minerality, and refined structure makes Guillemot-Michel Viré-Clessé Quintaine 2020 an excellent choice for lovers of premium French white wine, Burgundy Chardonnay, and expressive Mâconnais wines. With its concentration and structure, this is also a wine capable of developing additional complexity with careful ageing.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, prawns, lobster, grilled or roasted white fish, seafood carpaccio, fish with light cream sauces, roast chicken, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fresh goat cheese, and refined French cuisine. Its vibrant mineral character and energetic acidity make it particularly well suited to delicate seafood and rich yet elegant dishes.

Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled at approximately 11–13°C. Allow the wine a little time in the glass to open and reveal its layers of ripe fruit, citrus, floral notes, mineral complexity, and subtle saline character. Its concentration and structure also make it well suited to further bottle ageing.