Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau - Clos Saint Pancras 2024
Nestled in the rolling hills of Pierreclos, in the Mâconnais region, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau has established itself as one of the most elegant producers in southern Burgundy. Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon cultivate Chardonnay with meticulous precision, using organic farming methods, favoring low yields and painstaking soil management. Their philosophy is that of true artisans of the terroir: seeking purity, tension, and balance rather than ostentation, to create luminous, profound, and highly digestible white Burgundy wines.
Clos Saint Pancras 2024 comes from a carefully delimited plot surrounding the village, a true walled vineyard of Chardonnay planted on well-drained clay-limestone soils. The 2024 vintage, sunny without being excessive, yielded perfectly ripe grapes, with nights cool enough to preserve their vibrant character. The harvest is done by hand, with rigorous sorting directly in the vineyard. The grapes are pressed slowly and gently, then the juice is transferred to vats and barrels that have held several wines, where fermentation occurs using only indigenous yeasts. Aging on fine lees lasts for several months, without any attempt at oak extraction or heavy intervention, in order to refine the texture, add depth, and preserve the precise identity of the walled vineyard.
On the palate, the nose of Clos Saint Pancras 2024 first reveals itself with great freshness. It opens with notes of lemon and grapefruit, green apple and crisp pear, then gives way to aromas of white peach and acacia blossom. A light chalky, almost powdery character underscores the wine's mineral base, while hints of fresh almond and sweet butter attest to perfectly integrated oak aging.
On the palate, the attack is direct and clean, driven by a fine acidity that immediately lengthens the texture. The mid-palate is ample without being heavy, with juicy fruit that blends ripe citrus, white fruits, and a discreet touch of stone fruit. The texture is silky, supported by a mineral backbone reminiscent of the limestone soils of the Mâconnais region. The finish lingers with notes of lemon zest, wet stone, and delicate, elegant bitterness, leaving an impression of controlled tension and great drinkability.
At the table, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Clos Saint Pancras 2024 proves to be an ideal partner for both chic bistro cuisine and fine dining. It pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted fish, a fillet of sea bream or sea bass, a Mediterranean-inspired ceviche, or freshly opened shellfish. Its mouthwatering freshness also makes it a perfect match for roasted free-range poultry, herb or asparagus risotto, vegetable dishes featuring spring vegetables, and lightly aged pressed cheeses such as a young Comté or a fine dry goat cheese.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
