Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé 2023, Domaine A. et P. de Villaine

Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé 2023, Domaine A. et P. de Villaine is the domaine's benchmark Chardonnay in Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise, from the named vineyard plot Les Clous, on the heights above Bouzeron.

The named vineyard plot Les Clous lies on thin limestone soils at altitude, which gives a Chardonnay that is tauter and later ripening than the average of the Côte Chalonnaise. The cuvée carries the name of Aimé, as a family tribute. Ageing takes place in mostly old barrels, with no search for oakiness, in the spirit of the domaine: letting the terroir speak rather than the barrel.

The domaine was founded in 1971 at Bouzeron by Aubert and Pamela de Villaine. Aubert de Villaine co-managed the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from 1974 to 2022, and applied here, in the Côte Chalonnaise, the same demanding standards as at Vosne-Romanée. The vineyard, of around twenty hectares, has been farmed under certified organic agriculture since the late 1990s, one of the first conversions in Burgundy. Pierre de Benoist, Aubert's nephew, is in charge of technical management.

Key points

• Origin: France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise
• Appellation: Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé
• Domaine: Domaine A. et P. de Villaine, in Bouzeron
• Grape variety: Chardonnay 100 %
• Vintage: 2023
• Colour: White wine
• Viticulture: Certified organic agriculture
• Volume: 75 cl

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Bright pale gold
• Nose: White peach, acacia blossom, fresh hazelnut, chalky note
• Palate: Broad on the attack, then drawn tight by a fine acidity, mineral and persistent finish

Serving and cellaring

Serve this Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé at 11 to 13 °C. Its cellaring potential is three to seven years. Store the bottle lying down, at a stable temperature, away from light and vibration.

Food and wine pairings

River fish in sauce, poultry in cream sauce, asparagus risotto, young comté, pan seared scallops.

Find out more

Read Chardonnay from Burgundy, understanding the appellations of Burgundy and what budget for a good wine. Find all the cuvées of the domaine in our Domaine A. et P. de Villaine collection, and our whole Burgundy selection in the Burgundy collection or among our white wines.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise?

It is a regional appellation created in 1990, reserved for the communes of the Côte Chalonnaise. It sits one step above generic Bourgogne and often gives excellent value for money.

Is this wine oaky?

No. The domaine ages its whites essentially in old barrels, for the micro-oxygenation and not for the taste of wood.

Who is Domaine A. et P. de Villaine?

It is the domaine founded in 1971 at Bouzeron, in the Côte Chalonnaise, by Aubert de Villaine, for many years co-manager of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and his wife Pamela. It has become the benchmark of the Bouzeron appellation and one of the most respected estates of the Côte Chalonnaise.

How is the bottle shipped?

Delivery is free in France on purchases from 300 €. Each bottle is carefully packed and sent with tracked shipping.