Les Hauts des Ménards (2023) - Domaine André Bonhomme

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In the heart of Burgundy, the Viré-Clessé appellation is a relatively young jewel, created only in 1999, yet with roots that reach back through centuries of winemaking tradition. Domaine André Bonhomme, founded in 1956, was one of the pioneers in promoting the quality of the wines of this area. One fascinating detail concerns the birth of the appellation itself: André Bonhomme, together with other local growers, fought for years so that the wines of Viré and Clessé would get the recognition they deserved. Thanks to their determination, we can now enjoy wines such as Les Hauts des Ménards, which embody the elegance and the history of this corner of Burgundy.

Les Hauts des Ménards (2023) - Domaine André Bonhomme

Type: Vino Bianco

Area: France, Burgundy, Viré-Clessé

Appellation: Viré-Clessé AOC

Grape variety: Chardonnay

Vintage: 2023

Winery: Domaine André Bonhomme

Alcohol: 13%

The appellation: Viré-Clessé AOC

Viré-Clessé AOC is a controlled designation of origin that stands out for the production of high-quality white wines. The wines of this AOC, established in 1999, are made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, a variety that adapts perfectly to the limestone- and clay-rich soils of the region. These factors help to create elegant, complex wines, prized for their finesse and freshness.

What to eat with Les Hauts des Ménards

Who makes it: Domaine André Bonhomme

Domaine André Bonhomme is a winery in the heart of Burgundy, more precisely in the picturesque village of Viré-Clessé. This winery is renowned for producing high-quality wines, in particular its Viré-Clessé AOC, which strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. The philosophy of Domaine André Bonhomme is founded on: Respect for the land, with particular attention to biodiversity and environmental sustainability Winemaking tradition, reflected in the care of the vineyards and in the winemaking techniques Continuous innovation, to keep improving the quality of the wines Accessibility: wines designed to be enjoyed on any occasion

The vine of Les Hauts des Ménards

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.

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Les Hauts des Ménards: the Viré-Clessé area

Viré-Clessé

Viré-Clessé is a small but fascinating wine region in the historic area of Burgundy, in France. This appellation is known for its high-quality white wines, made mainly from Chardonnay grapes. The combination of a favourable climate and limestone-rich soils gives the wines of Viré-Clessé a unique freshness and complexity, which has won them appreciation both at home and abroad.

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Les Hauts des Ménards

Primary aromas: Citrus, White fruit

Secondary aromas: mineral notes

Tertiary aromas: Nuts, Honey, Mineral notes

Tasting notes: An elegant white wine with notes of white fruit and citrus, accompanied by a light minerality. Fresh and well balanced.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Fresh
Acidity	Medium-high
Tannin	Absent
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Media
Colour	Pale straw yellow
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Les Hauts des Ménards

Fermentation in wooden vats

Fermentation in wooden vats is a traditional, refined winemaking technique in which the must ferments inside wooden vessels — usually large casks, truncated-cone vats or oak tanks — rather than stainless steel or concrete. This allows natural micro-oxygenation, which encourages a slower, steadier fermentation and gives the wine added complexity, volume and aromatic finesse. It is used both for structured, long-lived reds and for serious whites, sometimes alongside skin maceration or followed by ageing in the same vessel.

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Ageing methods used for Les Hauts des Ménards

In cask (7–18 months)

Ageing in cask for between 7 and 18 months is a classic but measured approach to maturing wine. Large casks, usually Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow natural micro-oxygenation, which helps the wine settle, knit together and develop a more complex, harmonious profile. This kind of ageing is widely used for terroir-driven reds and for some structured whites that are after depth without the aromatic intensity a barrique would give.

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Time on the lees for Les Hauts des Ménards

No contact with the lees