White Wine Domaine Andre Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Les Pierres Blanches 2020. No need to decant. The Domaine was founded in 1956 by André Bonhomme and his wife Gisèle. The area was then 4 hectares of Macon Viré, the appellation of the time. Today, André Bonhomme has handed over the company to his son-in-law Eric Palthey and his daughter Jacqueline, aided by their sons Aurélien and Johan. Today the company carries out its organic viticulture activity on about 14 hectares located on the clayey-limestone soils of the municipalities of Viré and Clessé with a production of 98% of white wines from Chardonnay and 2% of red wines from Gamay. Chardonnay grapes are selected by hand from 30-year-old vines, positioned in the upper part of the slope on very gravelly soil of white stones, hence the name Les Pierres Blanches. This wine has a beautiful light golden yellow color that shines in the glass with green reflections. The nose is of medium intensity, with yellow fruit, spicy and herbaceous notes and mineral depth. On the palate it is succulent and shows a good creaminess and a lively acidity. The finish is long and persistent with a sweet, fruity white minerality. It makes a delicious aperitif but it also works greatly with seafood or white fish.
2020
White Wine Domaine Andre Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Les Pierres Blanches 2020
White Wine Domaine du Castel C Blanc du Castel 2020. This stunning single varietal Chardonnay is made in an elegant Burgundian style with the grape must fermented in French oak barrels and matured for a year before bottling. The result is an opulent, generous Chardonnay which opens with seductive notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and roasted almonds. On the palate there is a creamy, smooth texture, full body and ripe stone fruit and mango flavours which linger long on the tongue. The firm structure and intense flavour profile make this wine ideal for ageing over the next five or so years, but it is also ideal to enjoy now alongside roasted chicken, pan-fried fish, or a rich mushroom risotto. Domaine du Castel is widely considered one of Israel’s top wineries despite its humble origins and tiny annual production figures. The story began in the 1970s when Eli Ben Zaken arrived in Israel with his family from Milan and purchased a small farm near Jerusalem. In 1988 he decided to plant the first modern vineyard in the Judean Hills and in 1995 he released his first wine, the Grand Vin, after teaching himself how to make wine from the books of Emile Peynaud.
2020
White Wine Domaine Charles Audoin Bourgogne Aligote 2020. Young winemaker Cyril Audoin is the fifth generation of his family to run this domaine in the charming and little-known Burgundian appellation of Marsannay. For many years the village was primarily known for its rosé wines, but it also produces some excellent reds and whites that offer the best value for money in all the Côte de Nuits. In total the Audoin family have 14 hectares of vines spread across the three villages in the appellation. This is their entry-level Aligote which punches high above its price tag thanks to the family’s plot of 90-year old vines which are farmed organically without certification. In the winery Cyril prefers to let the beauty of the variety shine through by fermenting the must in neutral oak barrels. This helps showcase the bright fruit flavours while adding a little complexity and texture to the finished wine. In the glass there are aromatic notes of white flowers and zesty lemon, grapefruit and green apple while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering freshness, light and elegant body, and a pure, clean finish. The crisp flavour profile makes this a lovely wine to serve as an aperitif or partner for creamy cheeses like the traditional local Délice de Bourgogne or leafy salads, grilled fish and chicken.
2020