2023 Vincent & Jean-Pierre Charton Bourgogne Chardonnay Les Chaumes

Vincent & Jean-Pierre Charton Winery

Domaine Vincent & Jean-Pierre Charton is located in Mercurey in the Côte Chalonnaise and is run by two brothers with a clear focus on precision and terroir. The family business works with care in the vineyard and employs a classic approach in the cellar. The style of the wines is pure, balanced, and focused on structure and length. They consciously work with limited intervention to keep the origin and the grape central. Sustainability plays a role in both vineyard management and vinification. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

The Bourgogne Chardonnay Les Chaumes comes from the Côte Chalonnaise, an area south of the Côte de Beaune known for its consistent quality. The vineyards are located in close proximity to the white Mercurey appellations, which clearly influences the style of the wine. This translates into a combination of ripe fruit and fresh tension.

The soils consist of calcareous clay, a classic composition within Burgundy. Limestone provides structure and a distinct mineral line, while clay contributes to ripeness and a certain roundness in the mouthfeel. This combination forms the basis for a wine with both precision and balance.

The climate is continental, with warm summers and relatively cool nights. These temperature variations ensure the preservation of acidity and aromatic freshness. The 2023 vintage showed even ripening, with sufficient concentration and retention of tension.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The wine comes from a plot of approximately 2,700 square meters, which amounts to a small and carefully managed vineyard. The planting density is around 10,000 vines per hectare, which ensures competition between the vines and consequently greater concentration in the grapes.

The average age of the vines is approximately 45 years. This results in a good balance between yield and quality, allowing the grapes to develop sufficient ripeness without losing their freshness.

The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay. The combination of calcareous soils and the location near Mercurey creates a style that is both accessible and structured, with a clear terroir expression.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest is done by hand, followed by a careful selection of the grapes. After picking, the grapes are pressed and fermentation starts immediately in oak barrels. This ensures better integration of structure and aromas.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place entirely in barrels, after which the wine ages in oak barrels for approximately 10 months. About 15% of these barrels are new, which provides extra structure and a slight complexity without the wood becoming dominant.

Aging in wood gives the wine a refined texture and extra depth. At the same time, the fresh style is preserved, allowing the wine to maintain a good balance between tension and roundness. The wine is bottled at the estate.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a bright golden-yellow color with a slight sheen. On the nose, aromas of ripe apple, citrus, and white stone fruit emerge, complemented by subtle floral notes. The use of oak is refined and adds light notes of toast and vanilla.

On the palate, the wine shows a good balance between ripeness and freshness. The acidity is present and gives the wine a lively structure. The fruit profile is bright and clean, with a combination of citrus and ripe apple.

The texture is slightly creamy due to aging in wood, yet remains tight and controlled. The wine has sufficient concentration and a clear structure. Minerality emerges in the finish, along with a light spiciness and a subtle touch of wood.

The length is persistent and precise, with the various elements remaining well balanced. In the glass, the wine develops further and reveals more complexity as it opens up.

Development and drinking window

The 2023 Bourgogne Chardonnay Les Chaumes is accessible in its youth but has sufficient structure to develop further. The drinking window is between now and approximately 5 to 7 years after the harvest. During this period, the wine will develop more roundness and complexity, while retaining its fresh base.

Summary of professional reviews

No specific scores have been published for this wine. The style fits within the classic Burgundy Chardonnay, with a combination of ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and subtle use of oak. The location near Mercurey and barrel aging provide extra structure and length. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.