Auxey-Duresses "Moulin aux Moines" Monopole blanc 2023

A clearly defined Chardonnay: floral fruit, a fine mineral streak, depth without heaviness. Nothing about this wine pushes itself forward — it feels crafted by hand and firmly rooted in its origin.

Auxey-Duresses lies in the Côte de Beaune, between Meursault and Pommard. Clos du Moulin aux Moines is one of the estate's four monopole vineyards: three hectares of walled vines overlooked by the main building, planted with vines from the 1950s. The estate was founded in 962 by monks from the Abbey of Cluny; for more than six centuries it belonged to the Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux, passing into private hands after the Revolution. The cellars where the wine ages date from the 11th and 15th centuries.

Pure Chardonnay. Willy Roulendes has run the estate since 2008 and has converted all 16 hectares to biodynamic farming; work is done by hand or with horses, without chemicals or heavy machinery. The white grapes ferment in small wooden barrels, with ageing continuing in barriques and, increasingly, in barrels of around 1000 litres. New oak is used only sparingly, so the floral, fruity side keeps centre stage. Depending on the appellation and vintage, the wines age for 12 to 18 months.

Dry, with vibrant acidity and juicy citrus fruit, alongside white blossom and a fine creaminess that never masks the freshness. 13.0% vol.

Roast turbot with beurre blanc, fillet of sole or chicken in morel cream sauce, as well as chanterelle risotto and aged Comté.

The estate owns four monopole vineyards, and this is one of them. The label states the biodynamic farming. Since 2020, Michael Schwab has supported the estate's daily work.