Description

Château de Mérande Chigin Bergeron Le Grand Blanc is true to the qualities of the appellation’s finest wines. It boasts a deep golden yellow colour. On the nose, a multitude of subtly toasty yellow fruit aromas (quince, peach, apricot) unfold. Hints of wisteria, jasmine and honeysuckle then blend into this already very alluring bouquet. On the palate, the wine is generous and evokes the creaminess of ripe apricot, which is quite typical of the appellation. The finish is enhanced by a slight bitterness of fresh almond, which contributes to its harmonious character.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

• GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Jacquère
• TERROIR: Clay-limestone and stony scree
• PRUNING: Royat cordon with 3 spurs of no more than 2 buds
• CULTIVATION: Organic and biodynamic
• YIELD: 45 hl/ha
• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested following a second selection in the vineyard. Gentle, prolonged pressing of whole bunches. Natural fermentation without additives (yeast or SO2), at low temperature for 6 to 8 weeks. Malolactic fermentation carried out. Sulphiting at bottling.
• AGEING: In vats on fine lees without stirring. 10% is aged in barrels and then blended

Organic and biodynamic farming in the service of the terroir

Château de Mérande has been certified organic since 2009 (Ecocert). The Genoux family also manages the entire estate according to biodynamic principles (Biodyvin). All vineyard work is carried out with the aim of preserving the surrounding natural environment: terraces, hedgerows and copses. Château de Mérande is committed to preserving biodiversity at the heart of its Savoie vineyards.

To ensure the terroir expresses itself in its purest form, André and Daniel Genoux use no weedkillers or other pesticides. They apply biodynamic preparations of plant, mineral or animal origin to the soil and vines. This is done at specific times according to the vine’s cycle and in line with a lunar and planetary calendar. The soil is tilled using a crawler tractor, a winch or animal traction.

All this work proves to be a colossal undertaking when one realises the steep gradients of the hillsides where the vines have taken root. But all these efforts are not without reward, as the wines powerfully express the identity of these great terroirs.

What to eat with a Château de Mérande Chignin Bergeron Le Grand Blanc?

Summer foie gras with peaches roasted in honey and sherry vinegar

. Féra fillet. Bresse chicken fricassee

. Summer Beaufort