Wines Mâcon and Mâcon-Villages Sangouard-Chêne - Esprit de Famille - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Sangouard-Chêné’s “Cuvée Esprit de Famille” 2024 from the Mâcon et mâcon-villages AOC epitomises the fresh and generous style of southern Burgundy whites. Made predominantly from Chardonnay, as is traditional in the region, this cuvée captures the variety’s purity and fruit-forward charm without the overt influence of oak. The vintage 2024 promises lively acidity owing to a cool spring and moderate summer, resulting in balanced ripeness and aromatic expression. The careful vinification likely favours temperature-controlled fermentations in stainless steel to preserve the vibrant notes of citrus, white flowers, and a touch of ripe stone fruit, yielding a wine that is both refreshing and accessible.

The Mâconnais, located at the southern tip of Burgundy, is renowned for its rolling hills and limestone-rich soils, which grant local Chardonnays their hallmark minerality and finesse. The region benefits from a slightly warmer, sunnier climate than the Côte d’Or to the north, allowing for rounder and more expressive fruit in the finished wines. Historically, the Mâconnais has been a hub for accessible, high-quality white wine, and estates like Sangouard-Chêné contribute to its growing reputation by combining traditional methods with modern precision.

For food pairings, this Mâcon-Villages excels with classic Burgundian fare such as poulet à la crème or freshwater fish in beurre blanc sauce. It also suits shellfish, grilled prawns with lemon, or a goat’s cheese salad, reflecting the region’s culinary traditions. Its lively acidity and elegant fruit work beautifully with delicate Asian dishes, such as sushi or lightly spiced Thai cuisine.

To enjoy all the aromatic brightness and freshness, serve “Cuvée Esprit de Famille” well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. A tulip-shaped white wine glass will allow its bouquet to open up gently. This wine shines in its youth but can rest for a few years for added complexity if you prefer rounder notes.