Guffens-Heynen Mâcon-Pierreclos Le Chavigne 2017

Le Chavigne comes from the block of old vines at Pierreclos that makes up the largest single part of Guffens-Heynen's holdings.

Pierreclos lies in the hills west of Mâcon, set back from the Pouilly-Fuissé escarpments, on limestone soils that give Chardonnay good weight without the density of the grander appellations. Jean-Marie Guffens and Maine Heynen bought their first plots here in 1979, three years after moving from Belgium to Vergisson, and Chavigne, around three and a half hectares of old vines, remains the heart of the 5.65-hectare domaine. The farming does not vary from site to site: one shallow ploughing a year, cover crops mown year-round, no de-leafing or hedging, and yields kept to around 30 to 40 hectolitres per hectare. Picking is late and made in successive passes over the block, the fruit is pressed slowly on a modified Coquard press with the free-run juice kept apart from later fractions, and the wine ferments with indigenous yeasts and is raised on lees in oak and concrete without filtration.

Drink over the next five years or so, with roast chicken, grilled fish or a mild washed-rind cheese. Serve at 10-12°C.

*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.