Cave de Lugny Mâcon Villages Chardonnay 2018/2021

Cave de Lugny a winegrowing cooperative, that is deeply rooted in Mâcon of Burgundy. Its predecessor existed since late 18th century, but what’s known as La Cave de Lugny was officially founded on 30 January 1927, and was the second wine cooperative established in the Mâconnais region, one year after that of Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé. The name was shorten to ‘Cave de Lugny’ in 1987 to create better overseas impression.

Altogether, Cave de Lugny produces wines from 1180 hectares of vineyards, entirely dedicated to the Chardonnay grape variety. The winery is a true specialist in Burgundy white wines, producing wines from 20 different Burgundy appellations in total. The business has a virtual monopoly of the wines produced in two communes. Lugny and Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé. The recent development of official lieux-dits system of Mâcon has extended the range of its products, allowing Cave de Lugny to showcase promising terroirs in finely differentiated plots.

Mâcon Villages Chardonnay produced by Cave de Lugny came from 80 hectares of vineyards on the Northern side of Mâcon, in between village appellations. The vineyards are planted on gentle slopes, mostly facing South or South-east. Local soil is a harmonious mixture of clay and limestone fragments. Average vine age little above 30 years old.

Grapes are mechanically harvested then pressed in a pneumatic press. This process is very gentle, not to break any seeds or tamper with too much unwanted tannin in grape-skin. The alcoholic fermentation is carried out in temperature controlled stainless steel vats (constant temperature of 16 to 18°C). The malolactic fermentation is completed at 100%, which grants the wines ‘buttery’ mouth-feel. Then the wine is matured with its lees in stainless steel vats, before being bottled in traditional Burgundy bottles.

The wine overall is fresh and delicate with aromas of flowers, and notes of citrus, apple and pear.  The palate is light and packed with minerality. There are some complexity can be found of its wine-making process.