Domaine Chanson Beaune Bastion 1er Cru Blanc 2016, Burgundy, France

This cuvée is a blend of grapes sourced from several of Domaine Chanson’s 1er cru holdings on the hill of Beaune. It is named after the round fortress in Beaune that forms part of Chanson’s cellars. The soils are a combination of chalk, marl and limestone. Chanson vinifies their wines 100% whole cluster. They believe the complexity and structure of the wines is greatly enhanced, and the vinification process is improved. The major condition is that grapes must be perfect in terms of ripeness and condition. You can count on one hand the estates dedicated to whole cluster vinification in this manner. Then Champagne-style fractional pressing is done: very precise pressings for the purest juice, with lots vinified separately in small tanks. The wine is for the most part left alone, as the philosophy is one of ‘infusion rather than construction’. Aged in oak casks during 12 months.