# Mâcon-Villages (2020)

- **Producer:** François de Nicolay
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C

## About this wine

François de Nicolay's Mâcon-Villages is a dry white wine from the Mâconnais sub-region of Burgundy, France, made from 100% Chardonnay. Produced under his négoce label, the wine embodies a philosophy of natural and non-interventionist winemaking. Grapes are sourced from vineyards managed with certified organic or biodynamic practices, often from old vines (50 years for the 2020 vintage). The winemaking process is characterized by minimal intervention, utilizing indigenous yeasts for fermentation and avoiding filtration, fining, or the addition of sulfites. The wine is aged in neutral barrels. This approach aims to capture the pure expression of the terroir, with the Mâconnais' limestone soils and climate contributing to a wine with minerality, fruit roundness, and freshness. The wine is produced in limited quantities and is sought after for its purity and authenticity.

## Interesting facts

- Bottled by hand using the traditional 'chèvre à deux becs' method.
- Grapes sourced from partner growers practicing certified organic or biodynamic farming.
- Made with indigenous yeasts and no added sulfites.
- Vineyards are personally inspected by François de Nicolay.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ acidity and minerality cut through richer textures and complement the natural sweetness of seafood. Its subtle fruit notes and lack of heavy oak make it versatile for lighter poultry and creamy dishes, while its freshness balances the tang of goat cheese.

## Wine making process

François de Nicolay's Mâcon-Villages is produced using a non-interventionist approach. Grapes are sourced from vineyards adhering to organic or biodynamic farming standards and are hand-harvested. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts, typically in stainless steel for the 2020 vintage, and without any added yeasts or sulfites. The winemaking process avoids pump-overs, filtration, and fining, ensuring the wine remains unadulterated. Aging takes place in neutral barrels or barriques. The final bottling is done by hand using a traditional method to maintain the wine's integrity and freshness. This meticulous process is designed to highlight the purity of the Chardonnay and the distinctiveness of its Mâconnais origin.