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Viré-Clessé is a distinctive white-wine appellation in Burgundy, located in the Mâconnais sub-region in the southern part of Burgundy. The appellation unites two historic villages — Viré and Clessé — whose limestone slopes and old Chardonnay vines give rise to wines known for their refined minerality, clarity of aroma and unmistakable regional identity. Although Viré-Clessé gained official AOC status only in 1999, its winemaking heritage dates back to the Middle Ages, with a terroir considered among the most characterful in southern Burgundy.
The terroir is shaped by a combination of limestone and clay soils, characteristic of the region’s karst limestone formations. The topsoil often features white clay (argilo-calcaire), which imparts creaminess and texture, while the deep limestone bedrock provides a crystalline acidity and a firm, mineral backbone. Vineyards are generally oriented east and southeast, benefiting from gentle morning sun that ensures even ripening, while cool nights help preserve aromatic precision.
The climate is continental, with warm summers and cool autumn evenings. This climatic contrast allows Chardonnay to ripen slowly, achieving a harmonious balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity — a hallmark of the Viré-Clessé style.
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France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
The appellation produces wines exclusively from Chardonnay, yet the stylistic range is broad. Some wines are light, vibrant and mineral-driven, showing notes of green apple, citrus, flint and white flowers. Others lean toward a fuller, creamier profile, expressing ripe pear, peach, honey, acacia blossom and subtle nutty nuances. Viré-Clessé is also celebrated for its naturally sweet “vendanges tardives” wines, which — through botrytis or late harvesting — develop delicate honeyed and tropical aromas while maintaining high acidity.
On the palate, Viré-Clessé wines combine Burgundian elegance with a touch of Mâconnais warmth, delivering creamy texture, balanced richness and a distinctive saline, chalk-driven finish. Thanks to the structure imparted by the terroir, these wines are notably age-worthy, with the best examples maturing gracefully for 8–12 years.
Today, Viré-Clessé stands as one of the most dynamically rising appellations in Burgundy, marked by a strong emphasis on terroir purity, increasingly natural winemaking practices and an unadorned, precise expression of Chardonnay. It is an appellation that unites the timeless heritage of Burgundy with the expressive charm of Mâconnais — producing wines of clarity, freshness and refined minerality.
