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White dry
“Chardonnay” from 70–95-year-old vines, grown in several organically farmed vineyards around Viré and Clessé. “Vieilles Vignes” stands out not only for the age of the vines – their naturally lower yields provide greater concentration, while 20 months of ageing give this Viré-Clessé additional texture and complexity.
The nose reveals ripe apple, pear, apricot and white-fruit notes, complemented by white flowers, fig, almond, and subtle spice and toasted-nut tones. As the wine opens, the fruit becomes richer, with more pronounced mineral and lightly toasted nuances emerging.
On the palate, the wine is rich, rounded and textured, while retaining a clear line of freshness and minerality. The ripe white-fruit character is complemented by buttery and nutty notes, while ageing on the lees adds softness and breadth to the texture. The mineral structure maintains the balance, keeping the wine lively rather than heavy, with a long, dry and pronounced finish.
The grapes are hand-harvested and double-sorted, with indigenous yeasts used in the winemaking. Fermentation takes place in oak, with part of the wine fermented in 400-litre barrels, while the total ageing period is around 20 months. The wine is aged on its lees without bâtonnage, resulting in a creamy texture.
Serve at 8-10 °C with snails, frogs' legs, scallops fried in breadcrumbs, poultry dishes or soft, creamy cheeses.
The A. Bonhomme winery was founded in 1956 by Andre Bonhomme. The estate boasts many old vines—some approaching 100 years of age, with certain plots planted as early as 1923. André Bonhomme's estate is considered one of the leading producers in the Vire-Clessé appellation, having significantly contributed to the establishment and tightening of its appellation rules. High-quality oak barrels, optimal grape ripeness, and strict quality requirements enable the production of wines that are appealing and elegant in their youth, yet also age beautifully. This advantage is characteristic of only a few of the best Vire-Clessé producers. Wines of similar quality, elegance, and concentration from estates further north in Burgundy's Côte d'Or region typically cost significantly more. Here, vineyards have long been cultivated using ecological viticulture methods, aiming to develop the vines' natural immunity to diseases rather than just treating them.
André Bonhomme wines are pure, mineral-driven, and elegant, reflecting the authentic expression of the Mâcon region's 'Chardonnay'.
André Bonhomme's vineyards are located within the Vire-Clessé appellation, characterized by clay and limestone soils. The old vines are a key guarantor of quality, imparting concentration and complexity to the wines.
André Bonhomme wines are notable for their aging potential. While they are appealing and elegant in their youth, their true depth and complexity unfold after several years of bottle aging, allowing new aromas and flavors to develop and evolve.
