Athénaïs Bourgogne Chardonnay AOC 2022

The Athénaïs Bourgogne Chardonnay AOC 2022 is a cool, chalk-driven white wine from Burgundy, harvested by the team around Athénaïs de Béru. It relies on energy and tension rather than richness: pure, slightly austere, full of life, carried by a clear vein of acidity. In the glass it shows a delicate golden yellow.

The parcels lie in Saint Bris and the Côte Auxerre. In both appellations, the soil is shaped by Kimmeridgian limestone, the rock formed some 150 million years ago from the sediments of a primordial sea, studded with fossilized oyster shells, which supplies the vines with mineral nourishment. The estate's seat, a Renaissance property with a 16th-century sundial, stands in the eastern part of Chablis.

Pure Chardonnay. The grapes come from friendly estates that farm organically and biodynamically, with which Athénaïs de Béru has long-standing ties; the parcels are tended and harvested by the Béru team itself. Vinified to 13.5% vol., dry.

The nose promises energy: pulverized chalk and limestone, herbs and lichen, limequats, lemon and zest, a touch of green apple, plus peach and pear, topped with white blossom and a hint of pastry. The palate confirms the impression: chalky, cool and taut, yet never austere, as the fine, slightly creamy texture, a touch of nut and almond and a saline edge keep it flowing. The finish brings citrus fruits and cider apples.

A wine made from vineyards that aren't the estate's own, yet the work still stays in one hand: Béru tends and harvests the parcels itself. Athénaïs de Béru joined the family estate in 2004 and converted it to organic, later biodynamic farming. The label carries the Demeter logo.