DOMAINE FRANÇOIS LUMPP

This dynamic 9.5-hectare property is generally recognised as the finest in the village. François and Isabelle Lumpp founded the domaine in 1991, with no inherited vines, and have now been joined by their children, Pierre and Anne-Cécile.

The vineyards are planted with the finest materials and very close spacing. Viticulture is fanatical and yields are kept very low. They work as organically as possible during the early part of the growing season and employ limited doses of conventional treatments later on, to avoid tractor usage and compaction of their soils. All the grapes are handpicked and there is a further, severe selection prior to vinification. The reds are 100% destemmed and vinified in open-top, stainless steel fermenters. The whites are all vinified throughout in barrel. The whites see 30% new oak and the reds up to 70%.

The reds are sublime, pure, poised and beautifully balanced. Petit Marole from 30 year old vines on fine marne and limestone soils leans towards roundness and accessibility. A Vigne, from a 2.45 hectare site with fine marne and limestone is deep and brooding. The whites are simply stunning and amongst the finest in the Chalonnaise. Petit Marole is more open knit and forward, Crausot, from hard, pure limestone, is intensely pure with chiselled minerality.

Givry Blanc Teppe des Chenèves 0.75 ares of wonderfully sited 5 year old vines, at 400 metres, facing south-east on very pure limestone soils. Givry Blanc 1er Cru Petit Marole 30-year-old vines, facing east-south-east on white clay limestone soils. Givry Blanc 1er Cru Crausot 3 parcels of vines, facing south-east, aged 25, 30-40 and over 45 years old on very pure limestone and fine stones.

www.francoislumpp.com