DOMAINE SAINTE-BARBE

Viré, Mâcon, Bourgundy

Domaine Sainte Barbe is a 9-hectare collection of Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Noir vines running the length of the sloping hill of Viré, one of the Mâcon’s most distinguished villages. Jean-Marie Chaland represents the 3rd generation of his family to work these vines. The collection of 23 parcels (totaling 8.5ha) under his stewardship demonstrate the diversity in terroir of a region that is often not given the same careful examination that Burgundy’s more heralded postal codes are usually afforded.

Jean-Marie’s philosophy is straightforward: keep everything simple and transparent, and the result in the bottle will shine. Since his grandfather took the family vines back from the cooperative in 1967 and officially founded the domaine, the vineyards have been organic and 100% chemical-free. Once Jean-Marie took over in 2000, he began the process of obtaining certification, and since 2006, the entire estate has been certified organic.

All work is done by hand, and interventionist cellar tactics are kept to an absolute minimum. Only small amounts of sulfur are added during élévage. Whites are vinified in a combination of steel and ceramic cuves, and a small percentage of oak for the top cuvées. The reds are raised in neutral barrels, with the only new oak in the cellar being those purchased to replace old barrels in need of retirement. These are wines that deliver a shimmering vibrancy, elegance, while also providing a lens into an under-the-radar region that deserves a closer look, all at an excellent value.