Wines Saint-Romain Alain Gras - Les 5 Climats - 2023

Domaine Alain Gras’s 2023 “Cuvée Les Cinq Climats” from Saint-Romain is an expressive white Burgundy crafted from Chardonnay, the benchmark grape of the region. The 2023 vintage saw a favourable growing season, where moderate weather allowed for balanced ripeness and a refined acidity. This cuvée, named “Les Cinq Climats,” is a blend drawn from five select plots, each bringing subtle nuance to the final wine. Vinification at Domaine Alain Gras is traditionally Burgundian, with careful hand-harvesting, gentle pressing, and maturation on fine lees in oak barrels. The result is a wine with notes of white peach, citrus blossom and green apple, supported by a delicate thread of minerality, subtle toasted almond, and a fresh, persistent finish.

Saint-Romain is perched in the Hautes-Côtes, just west of the famed heart of the Côte de Beaune. Though lesser known than its nearby neighbours, the appellation is celebrated for its cooler microclimate and limestone-clay slopes. The elevation and northern exposure help preserve acidity and aromatic purity, making the whites from this village particularly vivacious and mineral-driven. The soils, a patchwork of marl and limestone, give a characteristic tension and chiselled profile to the wines. Historically, Saint-Romain has been recognised since the Middle Ages as a source for elegant and more restrained styles, often valued by those who appreciate finesse over opulence in white Burgundy.

This style of Saint-Romain pairs exceptionally well with fine seafood – think oysters, langoustines or pan-seared scallops – as well as delicate fish dishes such as sole meunière. For a more regional touch, try it with Burgundy’s signature gougères (cheese puffs) or a creamy chicken with tarragon. Goat’s cheese, especially Crottin de Chavignol, will also highlight the wine’s mineral notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chardonnay chilled but not too cold, ideally between 11 and 13°C. Decanting is optional but can enhance its aromatic complexity if opened young. As it evolves in the glass, you’ll discover layers that typify the elegance and verve of great Saint-Romain whites.