La Soufrandiere Saint Veran Climat La Bonnode 2016

Winery Background and History: Domaine La Soufrandière was founded in Vinzelles, Mâconnais by the Bret family in 1947 and taken over fully by Jean‑Philippe & Jean‑Guillaume Bret in 2000. They converted the vineyards to certified organic and biodynamic farming by 2006, focusing on old vines, natural viticulture, and minimal intervention to create terroir-driven Chardonnay of remarkable finesse and clarity  .

Producer and Wine Maker: The Bret Brothers manage the estate hands-on. Grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in older barrels or vats. Aging lasts around 11 months in barrel then six months in tank. There is no filtration, and sulfur additions are minimized to preserve freshness and expression  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate: La Bonnode is a ~2-hectare parcel at the foot of Vergisson’s Roche, east-facing on clay and crinoidal limestone soils at ~250 m altitude. Vines are approximately 35 years old and benefit from bright morning sun and cool nighttime temperatures, fostering tension and minerality  .

Vinification & Aging Methods: Grapes are pressed after manual harvest and must undergo natural clarification. Fermentation takes place in six- to eighteen-year-old barrels or tanks using natural yeast. The wine ages 11 months before racking to tank for a final six months lees contact. No filtration is applied prior to bottling  .

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in appearance, the 2016 offers delicate aromas of orange blossom, acacia honey, yellow pear, lime zest, and fennel greens. On the palate it is precise and vibrant, combining creamy orchard fruit with saline minerality, electric acidity, and an edgy, enduring finish  .

Food & Wine Pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with roasted cauliflower with truffle jus, grilled lobster, mackerel with paprika hummus, or charcuterie like Manchego; it also complements chicken or turkey dishes elegantly  .

Service Methods and Temperatures: Serve at ~11 °C in a standard white Burgundy glass. No decanting is necessary—present chilled to showcase aromatics and vibrant acidity  .

Storage and Aging Potential: Optimal drinking window is 2018–2026. Stored in a proper cellar (~12–14 °C, 70% humidity), it maintains elegance and may develop tertiary notes while preserving energetic freshness  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used: 100% Chardonnay, as per Saint‑Véran AOC regulations  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 13%  .