Wines Viré-clessé Domaine Alexis Gondard - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Alexis Gondard’s 2022 Viré-Clessé is a remarkable Burgundian Chardonnay that offers an authentic representation of its prestigious terroir. Crafted exclusively from the Chardonnay grape, this white wine expresses the finesse and minerality that define the Maconnais area within southern Burgundy. The 2022 vintage benefitted from a warm growing season, resulting in beautifully ripe fruit balanced by the signature freshness of limestone soils. The wine typically undergoes careful vinification in temperature-controlled tanks or sometimes in oak barrels depending on the estate’s style, aiming to highlight purity, vibrancy and depth of flavour without overwhelming the native character of the grape and place.

Viré-Clessé is a relatively youthful appellation within Burgundy, officially recognised in 1999, but the traditions of winemaking here stretch back centuries. The rolling hills of the Maconnais have soils predominantly of clay and limestone, which impart a unique mineral edge and structure to the region’s Chardonnays. The climate here is slightly warmer compared to the Côte d’Or, offering an early ripening period and producing wines with expressive fruit, lively acidity, and subtle complexity. This area’s history is steeped in monastic tradition, where over generations, winemakers have refined the cultivation of Chardonnay, resulting in consistently high-quality wines.

For food pairings, this Viré-Clessé shines with dishes that complement its freshness and depth. It is superb with classic Burgundian cuisine such as pike quenelles with a cream sauce, or poultry in a mild, herbed cream. Seafood is also an excellent match, particularly shellfish like scallops or lobster, and roasted white fish. The wine’s elegant minerality works well with grilled asparagus, goat’s cheese, and light pasta dishes. For a regional twist, consider pairing it with Burgundy’s celebrated escargots.

Serve Domaine Alexis Gondard’s Viré-Clessé 2022 chilled, ideally between 10-12°C, to best appreciate its delicate aromatics and lively palate. A brief decanting can open up further nuances, making for a superb tasting experience whether enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years.