Domaine Valette
Artisanalism and sustainability are two of the fundamental values that describe the production philosophy of Domaine Valette, a Burgundy estate that has Chardonnay as its symbolic grape variety. We are in Chaintré, a municipality located just south of Fuissé and Vinzelles, in the wine-growing area of Mâconnais, an undisputed land of Chardonnay. In this territory with extraordinary enological vocation, for three generations the Valette family has passed down knowledge in the viticultural and enological fields, having also converted to organic farming as early as 1992. Currently, the estate is led by Philippe Valette, considered one of the pioneers of organic farming in Mâconnais. Philippe's father was also the first winemaker in the area to decide to leave the local cooperative and start producing wine independently, a courageous choice at the time. Philippe, who is assisted by his wife Cécile, firmly believes that caring for the vineyards is the essential prerequisite for producing quality wines that reflect the characteristics of the terroir from which descend.
Following the principles of organic farming, also integrated with biodynamic practices, Philippe Valette of Domaine Valette takes care of 12 hectares of vineyards entirely dedicated to Chardonnay. The plants, located in various parcels represented also by very old vines, rest on soils rich in clay, flint, and limestone. Each parcel is treated differently depending on the characteristics of the soil, and the utmost importance is given to soil aeration. The harvest is carried out strictly by hand to bring intact bunches to the winery, which are then subjected to a gentle pressing. All enological operations are carried out in a spontaneous and non-invasive manner, with the musts being vinified without the addition of selected yeasts, sulfites, and other enological additives. The prolonged aging takes place in old oak barrels on the fine lees, and the wines are finally bottled without prior clarification or filtration.
The Pouilly Fuissé probably represent the flagship wines of Domaine Valette, Chardonnay that rightfully belong among the great whites of Burgundy, also thanks to their structure that allows them to age for a long time without losing anything in fragrance and freshness.
Artisanalism and sustainability are two of the fundamental values that describe the production philosophy of Domaine Valette, a Burgundy estate that has Chardonnay as its symbolic grape variety. We are in Chaintré, a municipality located just south of Fuissé and Vinzelles, in the wine-growing area of Mâconnais, an undisputed land of Chardonnay. In this territory with extraordinary enological vocation, for three generations the Valette family has passed down knowledge in the viticultural and enological fields, having also converted to organic farming as early as 1992. Currently, the estate is led by Philippe Valette, considered one of the pioneers of organic farming in Mâconnais. Philippe's father was also the first winemaker in the area to decide to leave the local cooperative and start producing wine independently, a courageous choice at the time. Philippe, who is assisted by his wife Cécile, firmly believes that caring for the vineyards is the essential prerequisite for producing quality wines that reflect the characteristics of the terroir from which descend.
Following the principles of organic farming, also integrated with biodynamic practices, Philippe Valette of Domaine Valette takes care of 12 hectares of vineyards entirely dedicated to Chardonnay. The plants, located in various parcels represented also by very old vines, rest on soils rich in clay, flint, and limestone. Each parcel is treated differently depending on the characteristics of the soil, and the utmost importance is given to soil aeration. The harvest is carried out strictly by hand to bring intact bunches to the winery, which are then subjected to a gentle pressing. All enological operations are carried out in a spontaneous and non-invasive manner, with the musts being vinified without the addition of selected yeasts, sulfites, and other enological additives. The prolonged aging takes place in old oak barrels on the fine lees, and the wines are finally bottled without prior clarification or filtration.
The Pouilly Fuissé probably represent the flagship wines of Domaine Valette, Chardonnay that rightfully belong among the great whites of Burgundy, also thanks to their structure that allows them to age for a long time without losing anything in fragrance and freshness.
