# Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes (2023)

- **Producer:** Vignoble Guillaume
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Chardonnay
- **Region:** Franche-Comté, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €23
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, melon, white flowers, citrus, vanilla, toast, ginger, candied ginger

## About this wine

The Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes from Vignoble Guillaume is a testament to the potential of the Franche-Comté region. Produced by a family with a profound, multi-generational connection to viticulture, dating back to 1732, the estate is also a leading vine nursery for prestigious French wine regions. This dual expertise informs their winemaking, focusing on expressing the unique terroir of Charcenne. The 'Vieilles Vignes' (Old Vines) designation highlights the use of grapes from vines aged between 20 and 40 years, grown on clay, marl, and limestone soils. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes natural, reasoned practices, reflecting a deep respect for the grape and the land.

## Interesting facts

- The Guillaume family has been cultivating vines since 1732.
- They are also France's leading vine nursery, supplying Burgundy and Champagne.
- The 'Vieilles Vignes' designation means these grapes come from vines aged 20-40 years.
- The estate uses an autonomous electric tractor for sustainable vineyard management.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and creamy texture complement rich dishes, while its subtle acidity cuts through fatty elements. Notes of fruit and subtle oak can echo or contrast with ingredients in the dish, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for this Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes emphasizes minimal intervention and respect for the grape and terroir. Fermentation is guided by indigenous yeasts, with careful temperature control to capture aromatic nuances. The wine is then aged for 11 months in oak barrels, employing techniques like 'ouillage' (topping up) and 'bâtonnage' (lees stirring) to build complexity and texture. Vignoble Guillaume practices 'agriculture raisonnée,' a form of sustainable farming, and has notably eliminated chemical weedkillers, utilizing innovative tools like autonomous electric tractors to promote soil health and biodiversity. This approach reflects a philosophy rooted in natural winemaking principles.