ABOUT: The Domaine du Mont Epin Macon Peronne is made by Richard and Stephane Martin, owners of Croix Snealillet in St. Veran. They purchased the Mont Epin estate in 2015 and have been crafting excellent, affordable Chardonnay from their high perch in the Maconnais. The grapes are certified organic by Ecocert and the wines are approachable in youth as well as with a few years on them. The description of Burgundy’s climate in 2019 at the Domaine du Mont Epin website is the best. Poetry. Here you go:
The climate in 2019 Winter is defined by a lack of rain, with negative temperatures over a few days.
Because of smooth temperatures in February and in March, vegetation development starts early.
Three cold episodes occur, with temperatures below normal at the end of April and at the beginning of May.
Two episodes of hard frost, at the beginning of April and mid April, jeopardize harvest 2019.
There is a net warming end of May. This precedes an instable meteorology in June : wind and storms alternate with sunny and warm days. For those of the vine stocks still presenting grapes, flourishing occurs mid-June.
The summer is very warm with two heat waves occurring at the end of June and at the end of July. In between, storms threats contribute to lower the temperatures. Rain does not fall on our region for such.
Grapes start ripening at the beginning of August, under normal seasonal temperatures. Several stormy rains in August offer a very welcome hydric input of 60 mm, helping the grapes to finish ripening.
Harvest take place from 17th to 20th September. TASTE: This Macon Peronne from Mont Epin is 100% Chardonnay and is a bright, crunchy, medium bodied version of great Burgundy. Lifted aromas and flavors of soft yellow fruits, pears, golden delicious apples, peaches and gardenias. Salty sea brine gets along with the white flower perfume and peach. Higher acidity gives this wine indefinite freshness, and will also contribute to some positive development for another 10 years. Though it’s drinking perfectly right now in 2021. PAIR: Crispy avocado tacos, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, coconut red curry with tofu, baguette sandwich with green beans and goat cheese, and an almond and strawberry salad.
