DOMAINE DU MONT-ÉPIN

Brothers Richard and Stéphane Martin of Domaine de la Croix Senaillet, in Davayé, recently purchased this beautifully sited domaine in Viré-Clessé. This is an exciting AOC, created in 1999, lying between Tornus and Mâcon. It comprises two east facing slopes at 220-400m, of Bajocian and Jurassic marly limestone and “crays” (white limestone pebbles) and shares many of the attributes of Vergisson and Solutré.

The entry point wine comes from 3.7 hectares of 45-50 year old vines, facing due east on stoney, limestone soils on the top part of the vineyard and heavier soils at the bottom. The wine is simply fermented and matured on the fine lees, in stainless steel tanks, for 8 months. Breillonde is from the finest 0.8 hectares of the domaine on Bajocian limestone and Jurassic marl stratas. The vines are 45-50 years old, on a gentle slope facing due east. The wine is vinified in a combination of 70% stainless steel tanks and 30% 600 litre demi muids, on the fine lees, for 8 months. Like La Croix Senaillet, these wines are deliciously vibrant, concentrated, exquisitely pure and a sheer joy to drink.