2022 Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy 'Le Charmois' Saint-Aubin 1er Cru
Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy stands as the epitome of naturally crafted, profoundly flavorful white Burgundy. From the hand-cranked wooden press to the manual bottling process, their commitment to traditional methods sets them apart. Seeking authenticity leads enthusiasts to Bouard-Bonnefoy, where Chassagne's beauty is faithfully captured. These wines mesmerize with pure aromas, deep flavors, and an irresistible allure. The palate reveals notes of green apple, white peach, and crushed stones, creating a precise and refined profile with excellent mineral energy. Perfectly paired with roasted chicken or fresh shellfish with lemon.
The first thing you see when you climb down into Fabrice Bouard's cellar is the family's ancient grape press, a large wooden press built in 1946 that could easily be mistaken as a bit of historic décor. Unlike his Burgundian neighbors, this isn't merely a conversational piece. Fabrice actually uses this manual press on every vintage, even though it takes a full day to finish its work (compared to two to three hours for a modern press). Tradition reigns at the house of Bouard-Bonnefoy, and although he doesn't credit the press with the fact that his wines cellar beautifully year after year and that they never experience premature oxidation, he doesn't discount the possibility. At the end of the day, Fabrice will be the first to say that the real stars of Bouard-Bonnefoy are neither press nor winemaker. The stars are the vines, and thanks to his wife Carine, Fabrice has access to some of the rarest hillside plots in Chassagne-Montrachet. Carine's father, celebrated as one of Chassagne's finest growers, owns the estate's ten modest acres and continues to farm them by hand.