# Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Uchizy La Martine (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Thevenard
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** stone fruit, peach, apricot, lemon, grapefruit, pear, blossom, butter, toast, vanilla, pastry, hazelnut, almond, honey

## About this wine

Domaine Thevenard is located in the commune of Uchizy within the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. The family's history here dates back to 1891 when Claudius Lafarge settled in the area and became the very first grower to plant Chardonnay in the commune. Following a severe accident in 1967 that left grandfather Roger Thevenard temporarily disabled, the family stopped estate-bottling and joined the local cooperative. For over 50 years, their prime fruit was blended away. This changed in 2021 when Pascal and his sons Matthieu and Gaétan withdrew 12 hectares from the cooperative to relaunch the estate as an independent domaine. Matthieu brings elite winemaking pedigree back to the family, having worked for years as a professional oenologist in Beaune. 'La Martine' is the estate's signature cuvée, sourced from a highly expressive, windswept single vineyard on an 18% limestone slope.

## Interesting facts

- Claudius Lafarge, who settled the estate in 1891, was the very first grower to plant Chardonnay in the commune of Uchizy.
- After a severe accident in 1967, the family stopped estate-bottling and sent their grapes to a co-op for over 50 years.
- In 2021, the 5th generation withdrew 12 hectares from the cooperative to relaunch the family's independent estate.
- The 'La Martine' vineyard sits on a steep 18% limestone slope where constant winds naturally protect the vines from disease.

## Food pairing

This high-acid, mineral-driven Chardonnay pairs beautifully with fresh seafood and shellfish, where its saline finish acts like a squeeze of lemon. The medium-plus body and subtle oak integration also allow it to stand up to light poultry dishes and creamy or buttery sauces without being overwhelmed.

## Wine making process

The estate practices 80% organic farming, completely eliminating chemical herbicides in favor of mechanical soil tilling, and earned the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification in 2023. The grapes are 100% hand-picked. Fermentation is conducted spontaneously using only native yeasts. Winemaking relies on gravity-fed cellar movement under complete nitrogen inert gas protection to prevent premature oxidation, with racking and bottling scheduled strictly in accordance with lunar cycles. The Chardonnay is aged entirely without added sulfites during the aging process, with only a minimal, measured dose of SO2 introduced just before bottling. The 2023 vintage underwent an extended 13 months of aging in neutral and used Burgundy oak barrels (maximum 15% new oak) followed by 1 month of settling in stainless steel tanks. The wine is clarified using natural bentonite clay and is only very lightly filtered.