France | Burgundy | Domaine Guillot Broux | Mâcon-Cruzille Les Geniévrières Blanc

Mâcon-Cruzille Les Geniévrières Blanc

Varietal
Chardonnay

Notes
VINEYARD: Abandoned after the phylloxera crisis, this vineyard started being cleared and replanted in 1983 by Emmanuel and Patrice's father, Jean-Gérard. Aiming for quality, he decided to use low-yield root stock, high planting density, Guyot Simple pruning, and, of course, organic methods. This brings about a natural control of yield and optimum maturity. The vineyards sit largely on east-facing slopes on clay-limestone soil (with the notable exception of their Gamay from Pierreclos which is granite soil). The soil in and around Cruzille brings out mineral flavors, and produces wines which have the ability to age gracefully for years (some of the Domaine’s wines need time to reflect their full personalities). The different characteristics of the terroirs of their vineyards result in unique wines in the estate’s line-up of three grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. The estate uses only natural methods of fighting parasites and disease. Their approach is underpinned by the philosophy that respecting the soil allows the vines to absorb all the elements they need to be healthy and balanced, thus producing healthy, balanced wines.

VINIFICATION : All of the grapes are hand-harvested, and then sorted in the vineyard before making their way to the winery. Emmanuel lets the particular terroir, the vintage, and the age of the vines determine how he vinifies. Nothing is formulaic. Natural yeasts and judicious use of SO2 in homeopathic doses are employed. Very little new oak. Most of the wines are bottled without fining or filtration. A gentle filter is sometimes used, but only in cases of real necessity. Elevage is 11 months in oak barrels.