Guillemot-Michel, Vire-Clesse, Retour a la Terre – 2023

Guillemot-Michel, Viré-Clessé Retour à la Terre 2023 is a distinctive and terroir-driven expression of Burgundy’s Mâconnais, showcasing the depth, purity, and mineral character of Chardonnay from the Viré-Clessé appellation. Created from old vines planted in the clay-rich “Champ-Rond” parcel, this exceptional cuvée is fermented and matured in 800-litre terracotta jars, allowing natural micro-oxygenation to gently shape the wine while preserving the purity of the fruit. The warm and dry 2020 vintage produced a beautifully balanced wine, combining the richness of 2018 with the tension of 2019, resulting in a sophisticated Burgundy white wine with remarkable texture and freshness.

Brilliant golden in color, it opens with an intriguing and expressive bouquet of ripe yellow fruit, pear, exotic fruit, citrus peel, clear honey, orange blossom, waxy citrus, and delicate herbal nuances. Subtle earthy and mineral tones add further complexity, reflecting the clay-rich terroir and distinctive amphora ageing. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, generous, and beautifully textured, revealing layers of ripe pear, yellow fruit, citrus, and subtle tropical fruit alongside honeyed and floral nuances. Lively acidity provides freshness and precision, while a fine chalky mineral structure gives the wine definition and energy. The terracotta maturation contributes a polished, harmonious texture without overpowering the natural character of the Chardonnay.

The finish is long, vibrant, and remarkably persistent, leaving lingering notes of ripe orchard and yellow fruit, citrus, honey, orange blossom, and subtle saline minerality. Its combination of richness, freshness, amphora-derived texture, lively acidity, and distinctive terroir expression makes Guillemot-Michel Viré-Clessé Retour à la Terre 2023 an excellent choice for lovers of premium French white wine, Burgundy Chardonnay, and naturally crafted Mâconnais wines. The wine’s balance and structure also give it impressive ageing potential.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, prawns, grilled or roasted white fish, fish with herbs, creamy fish dishes, roast chicken, poultry with light sauces, veal, goat cheese, asparagus, mushroom dishes, and refined French cuisine. Its combination of richness, acidity, and mineral character makes it particularly versatile at the table.

Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled at approximately 10°C. Allow the wine a little time to breathe in the glass before serving, allowing its layers of ripe fruit, citrus, honey, floral aromas, mineral complexity, and distinctive amphora character to fully emerge.