Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau - Madrigal 2024
Located in Pierreclos, in the heart of the Mâconnais region, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau has established itself as one of the finest producers in southern Burgundy. Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon work with meticulous precision on their Chardonnay grapes, employing demanding viticulture practices, deliberately low yields, and constant attention to soil and grape ripeness. In the cellar, winemaking is minimally interventionist, relying on indigenous yeasts and judicious aging to create luminous, deeply digestible wines that express the terroir.
Madrigal 2024 is the estate's lyrical cuvée, the one that plays the most expansive and enveloping part of the score. Made from Chardonnay grapes planted on well-exposed clay-limestone slopes, it benefits from a 2024 vintage marked by beautiful fruit ripeness and nights cool enough to preserve tension. The harvest is entirely manual, with sorting in the vineyard. The juices are pressed slowly and gently, then transferred to barrels and demi-muids that have held several wines. Fermentation occurs naturally, followed by aging on fine lees, which adds structure and depth without ever overpowering the wine's core. The final blend seeks a balance between lusciousness, energy, and aromatic precision.
On the nose, Madrigal 2024 reveals itself with immediate charm. The initial aromas evoke white peach, fresh apricot, and juicy pear, joined by notes of white flowers, honeysuckle, and linden blossom. A more pastry-like character emerges with aeration, reminiscent of lemon cream, fresh almond, and light brioche, on a subtly chalky background that recalls the limestone nature of the soils. This layering of ripe fruit, delicate flowers, and perfectly integrated buttery touches creates an expressive and refined bouquet.
On the palate, the attack is ample and caressing, with a generous texture that coats the palate without ever feeling heavy. The mid-palate unfolds a beautiful array of ripe white fruits, delicate citrus, and mirabelle plum flesh, supported by a fine acidity that lengthens the wine and sets its rhythm. The texture is both creamy and elegant, enhanced by perfectly integrated oak aging that adds volume while preserving a sensation of freshness. The finish lingers with notes of lemon zest, toasted hazelnut, and damp stone, with very subtle, elegant bitterness that structures the whole and leaves a lingering impression of controlled indulgence.
At the table, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Madrigal 2024 naturally finds its place with characterful, precise, and generous cuisine. It pairs wonderfully with roasted free-range poultry, chicken supreme with morels, braised veal with a light cream sauce, or mushroom risotto. Its richness, balanced by freshness, also makes it an ideal partner for roasted turbot, cod in mousseline sauce, seared scallops, or lightly buttered lobster. Finally, it pairs beautifully with sophisticated vegetable dishes, such as asparagus, roasted root vegetables, or butternut gratin, as well as with pressed cheeses like Comté or a medium-aged Beaufort.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
