# Mâcon-Chaintré "Les Serreuxdières" (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Dominique Cornin
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 11–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, melon, white pepper, butter, cream

## About this wine

Domaine Dominique Cornin is a highly respected family estate located in Chaintré, at the southernmost tip of Burgundy's Mâconnais region. Established in 1993, the estate is now run by Dominique's son, Romain Cornin, alongside his sister, Adeline. Romain brings global perspective to the estate, having studied oenology in California and New Zealand. The estate is a pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture in the region, achieving Ecocert certification in 2009. The 'Les Serreuxdières' cuvée is sourced from a tiny 1.5-hectare single parcel characterized by deep, heavy clay soils. The vines here are remarkably old, planted in three distinct years: 1936, 1985, and 1996. This combination of ancient vines and clay soils yields a wine of exceptional depth, structure, and mineral focus, representing a transparent and authentic expression of the Chaintré terroir.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Les Serreuxdières' parcel features ancient Chardonnay vines planted as far back as 1936.
- To prevent soil compaction and preserve soil health, the estate strictly plows the vineyard using horses.
- Winemaker Romain Cornin compares his wines to siblings, each sharing Chardonnay origins but possessing a unique personality.
- The wine is aged entirely in stainless steel to showcase the pure mineral tension of Chaintré clay without oak influence.

## Food pairing

This dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay thrives alongside dishes that match its vibrant acidity and textured mouthfeel. The absence of oak allows the wine's natural citrus and mineral drive to cut through rich, creamy sauces (like tarragon cream or butter) without overwhelming the food. Its clean, saline finish acts as a perfect palate cleanser for delicate seafood, poultry, and earthy goat cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for 'Les Serreuxdières' is designed to preserve the pure, unadorned expression of Chardonnay from this unique clay parcel. The grapes are strictly hand-harvested to prevent premature oxidation and sorted carefully. In the cellar, the grapes undergo a gentle pressing, and the juice is transferred using gravity-flow methods to protect its integrity. Fermentation takes place exclusively with native (indigenous) yeasts in temperature-regulated stainless steel tanks. To emphasize the natural tension and mineral character of the terroir, the wine is aged for approximately 12 months on its fine lees in stainless steel, completely avoiding oak contact. The wine is unfined and undergoes only a very light filtration before bottling, ensuring its natural texture and complexity remain intact.