Bugey AOP – Maison Yves Duport – Chardonnay – white

From the slopes of Groslée in the AOC Bugey, the Chardonnay from Maison Yves Duport is a dry white wine that precisely expresses the identity of its terroir. The vines, around thirty years old on average, are farmed according to the principles of certified organic agriculture and biodynamics (not certified), out of respect for living things and natural balance. The soil, made up of sand, light clay and silt, gives the wine an airy structure, lovely freshness and a typical minerality.

The grapes are harvested by hand at perfect ripeness, with careful sorting in the vineyard plot. They are pressed as whole bunches, then fermentation takes place naturally with indigenous yeasts, without any added oenological inputs. The wine is aged on fine lees for about 10 months in stainless steel tanks, without lees stirring, to preserve its aromatic purity and energy. No fining is carried out; only a light filtration is done before bottling, with minimal sulphiting.

On tasting, this Chardonnay reveals a brilliant colour with golden glints. The nose is delicate, floral and lightly lemony, with notes of white-fleshed fruit, apple blossom, fresh hazelnut and a subtle mineral touch. On the palate, the attack is lively and precise, the mid-palate balanced, carried by a mouth-watering tension and a lovely long finish. This wine charms with its understated elegance, natural freshness and fine structure.

This Chardonnay pairs ideally with seafood, grilled fish or fish in sauce, roast poultry or pressed cheeses. It can be enjoyed now for its freshness or kept for 3 to 5 years to gain roundness and complexity.