Domaine Chasselay Beaujolais Blanc Terroir de Chatillon Blanc 2020
Type: White
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Beaujolais
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Rating: 90 Robert Parker Points
Climate: Semi-continental climate, influenced by the presence of the Massif Central to the west and the Alps to the east
Terroir: Vines grow on soil that is rich in lime and clay of the argilo-calcaire type
Winemaking: Grapes were organically grown and only natural yeast was used in the cellar. After the alcoholic fermentation, half of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine is then stored for eight months on its lees in large 600-litre oak barrels
Color: Beautiful gold
Nose: Intense aromas of yellow stone fruits such as apricot and peach, honey, baked apples and a fine underlying minerality
Palate: Medium full body with notes of yellow apples. Beautiful finish
About the Winery:
Domaine Chasselay comprises 13 hectares of vineyards and is located in Châtillon d’Azergues, with a focus on Côte de Brouilly and Brouilly. In recent years, the estate also made wines with fruit that are sourced from further parcels of vines in Morgon, Fleurie, Chénas and Moulin à Vent. The Chasselay family have been vignerons here since 1464! Working alongside their parents, Jean-Gilles and Christiane, son and daughter Fabien and Claire continue the family tradition of striving for ultimate quality and authenticity in their wines alongside a commitment to respect the environment in all that they do.
Zero weeding and zero synthetic chemical products: that is how they nurture their vines and make their wines, all in full compliance with Ecocert specifications of Organic Agriculture (AB), since 2006. The estate maintains hedgerows and borders of wildflowers in their vineyards. It is the family’s way of promoting biodiversity, combating erosion and preserving wildlife. They also pay particular attention to the lunar calendar, the seasons and the weather forecast in order to work the land and the wines in respect of their biological rhythms. Mechanical or manual, ploughing helps regulate natural grassing. Fabien encourages plants to grow (clover, chickweed, veronica, bluegrass, bindweed etc.) as they reduce the risk of disease and erosion.
All wines are matured in oak barrels or larger wooden tanks/vats for six to eight months. All grapes are vinified with indigenous yeasts but without the addition of sulphites, with only a small dose being added at bottling. Fabien did part of his training at Domaine Bruno Clavelier in Vosne-Romanée, and he came to favour a high degree of de-stemming rather than doing Beaujolais’ traditional, 100% whole cluster fermentation. The result of all of this is Beaujolais of unusual succulence.
