Tech Notes
Wine Details
By Domaine Chene
Macon Milly Lamartine 2024
Region
Cedric Chene's Milly Lamartine vineyards are situated on the region's huge Bathonian limestone strip, running up the western side of the appellation at approximately 350 meters elevation. His neighbors include les Heritiers Lafon, Olivier Merlin, and Cordier. The appellation takes its name from the famous French poet and politician Lamartine, who was mayor of the village in 1812 and, on a trip to the Holy Land in 1832, reportedly watered the Garden of Gethsemane with wine from Milly!
Vintage and Harvest
Chene's vines are now several decades old and have ample root structure to withstand the hydric stress of the increasingly baking Burgundian summers. The weather conditions of the 2024 vintage were more complicated than those of 2023, resulting in lower yields but more concentrated flavor profiles. Harvest took place on September 7th, as early as possible, despite Milly being typically late ripening, to ensure maximum freshness and tension. Given the perfectly clean and ripe berries, no sorting was needed. For the first time, Cedric Chene and his son Johany did not use any sulfites during fermentation, making this a very full-bodied Chardonnay with very low sulfite levels!
Winemaker's Note
As always, Chene's wine is a classic example of the best of what the Milly appellation delivers in terms of refreshment, versatility, and complexity. Over the past few years, it has been used as a private label cuvee for top Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Daniel Boulud in New York City.
Tasting Notes
Chene's style is always intense and concentrated, yet somehow still soft and accessible. Exotic fruits and vibrant citrus notes on the nose lead to a nicely balanced, fuller-bodied than usual palate of orchard fruits with hints of lychee and melon. The chiseled length sneaks up on you as usual, with clean, focussed fruit still coiled up a bit like young village Chablis, asking for a few months to fully open up and resolve. As per previous vintages, lower judicious sulfite levels allow this 2024 white Burgundy to be accessible soon after bottling.
Food Pairing
This fruit-forward complex southern white Burgundy will please your guests as a refreshing aperitif. Its versatility will complement most light summer dishes, including seafood, especially freshwater fish, grilled lobster, and poultry, as well as most goat cheeses. Serve chilled over the next 4 years.
[Information provided by Domaine Chene]
Region:
Burgundy
Vintage:
2024
Grape:
Chardonnay
Country:
France
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
13.00
Appellation:
Mâcon Milly-Lamartine