2020 Clos Bateau Beaujolais-Villages Bateau Blanc

WINEMAKER: Sylvie & Thierry Klok-de Visser
REGION: Beaujolais, FR
VARIETAL: Chardonnay
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

"Chardonnay from Blacé, in the lieu-dit 'Le Bourg'. The vineyard sits 300M above sea level, faces east, and has a high limestone content. The grapes are pressed very slowly, with ferment beginning in fibreglass tank. The wine then aged in amphora for nine months. Not fined or filtered, zero added sulfites. Production: 759 bottles.

This is a restrained, linear, taut and tense expression of Chardonnay. You can sense the impact of the amphora, both through the tightly coiled aromas, and once in the mouth. Aromas of apple, apricot, raw pastry, amphora, and a slight saline imprint are the first impression. To taste it is fine, frosty and slightly grippy, with flavours of unripe mango and papaya – no ripeness or sweetness though – subtle and restrained. It's shape makes it perfect for summer, perfect for lunch. The fruit eventually pokes its head out with air, and more-so on day two. Fine and fresh." - Ryan Larkin

Sylvie & Thierry Klok-de Visser started their adventure in 2019 when they moved to their domaine in Lantignié, Beaujolais. It’s a small 5.5ha, nature-friendly domaine where they work all year round with just the two of them. With almost all the vineyards and land (totalling 8ha) around their domaine, they are creating a thriving ecosystem. As soon as they arrived, they immediately planted over 100 fruit and nut trees in the vineyards to increase biodiversity. They want to work with nature in harmony, not against it.