Wines Saint-Véran Vignerons des Terres Secrètes - Esprit des Lieux - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Vignerons des Terres Secrètes’s Cuvée Esprit des Lieux 2023 is a white wine from the renowned Saint-Véran AOC in southern Burgundy, within the Mâconnais subregion. Crafted entirely from Chardonnay, this cuvée expresses the vibrancy and purity typical of the region’s whites. The 2023 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, delivering grapes with freshness and expressive fruit. In this wine, you’ll find delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus, supported by subtle notes of ripe orchard fruit and a mineral-driven backbone—a hallmark of the limestone-rich terrains of Saint-Véran. Classic vinification techniques, usually through temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, preserve the Chardonnay’s aromatic finesse and lend the wine a lively, crisp finish.

The Mâconnais region, situated between Côte Chalonnaise and Beaujolais, is celebrated for its rolling hills, varied exposures, and limestone-clay soils that are ideal for Chardonnay. The climate here is semi-continental with Mediterranean influences—generous sunshine tempers the cool Burgundian nights, producing whites that are elegantly balanced between ripeness and refreshing acidity. Historically, Saint-Véran has been prized as an accessible, terroir-driven expression of Burgundy, with the AOC established in 1971, reflecting the local passion for high-quality white wines.

For food pairings, Saint-Véran’s refined structure and fresh acidity make it highly versatile. Enjoy it as an aperitif or match it to seafood such as seared scallops, grilled prawns, or poached trout. It pairs beautifully with regional dishes like poulet de Bresse à la crème or a goat’s cheese from the Mâconnais hills. Vegetable-based risottos, fresh asparagus, and a creamy mushroom tart would also complement its minerality and subtle fruit.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Saint-Véran well chilled but not ice-cold, ideally between 10-12°C. This temperature will showcase its full aromatic range and texture. Decanting is unnecessary, but opening the bottle a few minutes before serving will allow the wine to reveal its delicate bouquet.