Domaine Faiveley’s Rully “Les Villeranges” Blanc 2022 is a fine expression of white Burgundy from the Côte Chalonnaise, drawing its character from both terroir and tradition. While the user indicates Chardonnay as the likely grape variety, this aligns with the established practice in Rully, which is celebrated for producing elegant, nuanced white wines primarily from this grape. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm growing season with good levels of sunshine and adequate rainfall, has generally produced balanced wines with expressive fruit and fresh acidity. Domaine Faiveley, a respected name in Burgundy, is known for its careful work in both vineyard and cellar; gentle pressing, meticulous lees management, and sensitive use of oak are all common vinification practices that allow the subtleties of site and vintage to shine through. Expect a delicately aromatic profile, with notes of citrus, white blossom, crisp orchard fruits and perhaps a deft touch of hazelnut and minerality typical of top-quality Rully, complemented by a supple, refreshing palate.
Rully lies in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, a region with a long and proud winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times. Its gently rolling hills benefit from a temperate, semi-continental climate, providing the vines with ample ripening sunshine yet cool nights to preserve acidity and aromatics. The soils around Rully are primarily clay-limestone, well-suited to producing whites of both vibrancy and finesse, often imbued with a subtle saline or chalky quality. Historically, the region was somewhat overshadowed by its Côte de Beaune neighbours, but today, wines from Rully are increasingly recognised for their quality and value.
This crisp, textured white would pair beautifully with classic Burgundian dishes such as pike quenelles in a creamy sauce or chicken with morel mushrooms, but it is also a natural partner to simply prepared fish and shellfish—think grilled sea bass, scallops with beurre blanc, or even a delicate goat’s cheese tart. For a regional touch, try it with gently poached Bresse chicken or soft cheeses from the area like Chaource or Brillat-Savarin.
Serve well-chilled but not too cold; around 10-12°C is ideal to allow its full aromatic range and subtle textures to develop in the glass. A brief aeration enhances its expressive character, and while immediate drinking is possible, a couple of years’ cellaring could bring further harmony and nuance.
