Introduction:
The 2023 Domaine Françoise & Denis Clair Saint-Aubin Blanc from Burgundy, France is a poised, mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay. Reflecting the cool-climate elegance of Saint-Aubin, it marries vibrant acidity, subtle oak integration, and crystalline fruit purity in a style that is both classic and highly food-friendly.

Terrior:
The vineyards are located in Saint-Aubin, Côte de Beaune, where argilo-calcareous (clay-limestone) soils and higher-elevation slopes provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The cool continental climate allows slow ripening, preserving acidity and aromatic finesse, while the limestone-rich soils impart a signature mineral tension.

Appearance:
Pale straw to light gold in color with luminous clarity. The hue suggests a youthful and fresh wine, with finesse and restraint typical of village-level white Burgundy.

Nose:
Elegant aromas of citrus peel, white peach, and Anjou pear unfold alongside delicate floral notes of acacia and citrus blossom. Subtle minerality and a whisper of oak—toast and almond—add a refined complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Palate:
Lithe and precise, the wine opens with a clean line of acidity. Flavors of lemon curd, green apple, and stone fruit mingle with chalky minerality. Light creaminess from gentle lees aging and oak fermentation adds texture without diminishing the wine’s freshness. The balance of fruit, acidity, and subtle oak influence is beautifully harmonious.

Finish:
The finish is long and resonant, carried by a core of citrus and saline mineral notes. Hints of toast and lemon zest linger, echoing the wine’s clarity and structure, with a delicate, mouthwatering snap.

Overall Impression:
The 2023 Domaine Françoise & Denis Clair Saint-Aubin Blanc offers a graceful, terroir-expressive interpretation of Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s rising appellations. Its lively acidity, restrained oak, and mineral backbone deliver a wine of balance and precision. This is a white Burgundy with tension and elegance, well-suited to both immediate enjoyment and short-term aging.

Recommended Food Pairing:

• Meat: Roasted chicken with herbs, veal scallopini, or turkey breast with lemon-thyme butter

• Vegetarian: Grilled asparagus with hollandaise, vegetable terrine, or lemon risotto

• Cheese / Charcuterie: Fresh goat cheese, Brillat-Savarin, Comté, or mild cured meats like jambon de Paris

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~13%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, low-intervention; soils plowed, minimal chemical use
Producer Name: Domaine Françoise & Denis Clair
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Burgundy – Côte de Beaune, Saint-Aubin AOC
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Wine Style: White Burgundy; elegant, mineral-driven Chardonnay
Winemaking Techniques: Barrel fermentation in French oak; partial malolactic fermentation; aging on lees with minimal bâtonnage
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork