Bret Brothers Mâcon-Chardonnay Climat Les Crays 2023

Les Crays is a small organic parcel in the hamlet of Champvent, bottled by the Bret Brothers under the Mâcon-Chardonnay appellation.

The village of Chardonnay near Tournus claims to have given its name to the grape, and the word itself traces back to the Latin cardus, meaning thistle — a plant that thrives on limestone. The Les Crays terroir takes its name from craie, the French for chalk, and the soils bear it out: white limestone rocks scattered through clay strata. Jean-Philippe Bret, who runs the Bret Brothers négoce alongside Domaine de la Soufrandière at Vinzelles, notes that organic vineyards are not easy to find in this part of the Mâconnais; this 0.4-hectare parcel of 30- to 40-year-old vines is an exception. The wine is made in the house style, with natural fermentation and ageing on lees, and it shows the density that old vines and limestone bring at what is nominally a modest appellation level.

Drink over the next four or five years. Serve at 10 to 12°C with grilled fish, roast chicken or a goat's cheese salad.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.