Domaine Michel Macon-Villages, Burgundy, France

Golden orchard fruit, subtle smoke, and lifted citrus freshness define the 2024 Domaine Michel Macon-Villages, a Chardonnay that balances generosity with classic Burgundian restraint. Drawn from mature vines planted on clay-limestone soils just outside Viré-Clessé, the wine captures the approachable charm of the Mâconnais while retaining mineral tension and precision. Domaine Michel’s multigenerational commitment to traditional farming and careful cellar work continues to shape wines that emphasize purity, texture, and honest expression of terroir.

Product Details:

• Owners: Denis Michel, Franck Michel, & Vincent Michel
  
• Winemaker: Franck Michel
  
• Vineyard Manager: Vincent Michel
  
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay
  
• ABV: 13.5%
• Farming Practices: Lutte Raisonnée
  
• Soil Type: Clay-limestone
  
• Average Vine Age: 50 years
  
• Closure: Cork

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with ripe apple, pear, peach, and apricot aromas layered alongside hints of citrus peel, pineapple, cream, and soft vanilla tones. On the palate, the wine is dry yet generous, offering flavors of candied apple, sweet orchard fruit, and ripe peach balanced by touches of lemon pith and faint smokiness. The texture is rounded and dense without heaviness, finishing with fresh acidity and a subtle mineral lift that keeps the wine vibrant and food-friendly.

Winemaker’s Background:

The Michel family has cultivated vines in the village of Cray since at least 1850, building a deep connection to the terroirs of the Mâconnais over six generations. René Michel began bottling estate wines in 1970, laying the groundwork for the domaine’s modern identity. Today, Franck Michel oversees cellar operations while his nephew Vincent manages the vineyards, continuing the family’s dedication to traditional viticulture and quality-focused winemaking. The domaine farms approximately 37 acres, producing wines that reflect both the richness and precision of southern Burgundy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 50–54°F in a Burgundy white wine glass to highlight the wine’s texture and aromatic complexity. Excellent alongside roast chicken, cream sauce pasta, white fish, salmon, mushrooms, fondue, roasted root vegetables, or soft-ripened cheeses. Its balance of ripe fruit and freshness also makes it an elegant aperitif wine.