Why it matters
The producer
Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon founded the domaine, and its first harvest came in 2010. Frantz holds a degree in oenology and trained as cellar master with Olivier Merlin between 2004 and 2009. Caroline holds degrees in agricultural engineering and oenology, and worked at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley before returning to France.
Since 2013, all the vineyards have been Ecocert certified organic. The cellar follows a minimal intervention philosophy, with the wines made from holdings spread across several Mâconnais appellations.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Pierreclos is the domaine's base in the Mâconnais. The holdings include a 3.5 hectare block in Saint Albain and several small plots in Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé.
The range carries the names of the surrounding appellations, from Mâcon and Mâcon Villages to Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé. Each name places the wine within a different part of the Mâconnais label system.
Wines to know
The range in view
The domaine produces Mâcon, Mâcon Villages, Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé. Pouilly Fuissé Pastoral has a balanced palate with a fine thread of acidity. Saint Véran La Fournaise and Saint Véran La Roche are named Saint Véran bottlings from the range.
Saint Véran La Roche has nuanced oak influenced character. Its vineyard source and ageing sequence give the bottle a more specific place and cellar profile than the broader appellation wines.