Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Macon-Villages Clos Saint-Pancras, Maconnais, France

The 2023 Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Mâcon-Villages Clos Saint-Pancras is a vivid expression of terroir-driven Chardonnay, uniting tension, freshness, and Burgundian finesse in one glass. From old vines rooted in stony limestone soils on the Montagne de Clessé, this wine brings remarkable depth and vibrancy that punch well above its appellation.

Product Details:

• Winemakers & Owners: Frantz Chagnoleau & Caroline Gon
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Altitude: 240m, east-facing slope, windy exposure
• Soil: Limestone with small stones near an old quarry
• Vine Age: 30+ years
• Farming Practices: Certified Organic
• Fermentation & Aging: Indigenous yeast, fermented and aged in older foudres
• ABV: 13%

Sensory Description:

On the nose, this wine immediately declares its Burgundian pedigree with aromas of hazelnut, grapefruit pith, spiced nectarines, and crushed rock. The palate flows with layers of stone fruit, citrus, and nut tones, framed by nervy minerality and chewy phenolics. Fresh acidity lifts its generous core, finishing with a saline twist that enhances complexity. Notes of clotted cream, spice, peach, and butter linger gracefully on the finish, creating a Chardonnay that is both concentrated and finely balanced.

Winemaker's Background:

Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is a small but acclaimed estate led by Frantz Chagnoleau and his wife, Caroline Gon. Frantz, a graduate in oenology, honed his craft with Olivier Merlin in the Mâconnais, while Caroline, also an accomplished winemaker with dual degrees in oenology and agricultural engineering, worked at Newton Vineyards in Napa before becoming head winemaker at Héritiers du Comte Lafon. Mentored and inspired by Dominique Lafon, the couple produces wines that honor tradition while embracing minimal intervention, organic farming, indigenous yeast fermentation, and gentle élevage in large, used French oak. Since 2013, all vineyards have been certified organic, ensuring wines of purity and authenticity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 50–54°F (10–12°C) in a Burgundy glass to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted poultry, creamy risottos, or soft-ripened cheeses like Brie and Reblochon. It is also an excellent candidate for cellaring, with potential to develop gracefully over the next 7–10 years.

The 2023 Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Mâcon-Villages Clos Saint-Pancras offers a strikingly elegant take on Chardonnay from Burgundy’s southern reaches. With precision, minerality, and a generosity of fruit, it is a wine that captures the spirit of old vines and thoughtful winemaking, delivering exceptional quality that will delight now and for years to come.