Domaine Saumaize-Michelin St-Veran Les Creches 2018
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Elegant and fruity nose supported by a good minerality. Round, rich, fresh and well balanced. Luscious honey and citrus flavors with hints of butter and a delicious citrus finish.
Other Vintages
2017-
Robert
Parker
Owner Roger Saumaize was born amid the vineyards of winemakers parents and shares his passion with his wife Christine (her maiden name is Michelin), where the name of the Domaine Saumaize-Michelin derives. Roger and Christine Saumaize like the contact with their clients with whom they share their passion and their interest in wine. In 1977, Roger Saumaize received 4 hectares of vineyards from his Father. He completely took over the Father's Estate in 1978. The Domaine Saumaize-Michelin was built over time. For instance, in 1979, Roger and Christine bought 1.60 hectares of “La Roche” vineyards in Vergisson. Then, in 1985 the decision was made to vinify all the parcels separately. Such as the Pouilly Fuissé “Clos de la Roche” cuvée that was created at that time.
Saumaize-Michelin has followed organic farming for twenty years and they have been practicing biodynamic farming since 2005, which is quite unique in the region, where herbicide use is common. Their vines average 50 years old and the philosophy of the farming is to, in Roger's words, "capture the energy of the place". All of the grapes are hand-harvested and depending on the vintage and parcel, may be picked in several passes. In the cellar, there is a gentle and slow pressing in two pneumatic presses. After the juice has settled for a day, it’s moved right into barrel for fermentation and aging. Wines are aged on the lees with occasional stirring for twelve months.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Occupying vineyards to the west and south of the village of Mâcon, the appellation of St-Véran interweaves with Pouilly-Fuissé, overlapping both the Mâconnais and Beaujolais. St-Véran includes a lot of what was once sold as Beaujolais Blanc. Grown on limestone, St-Véran whites' ageability and power fall somewhere in between the wines of Mâcon-Villages and Pouilly-Fuissé.
After subtle aromas of lemon, apricot, acacia and honeysuckle, on the palate a St-Véran (always made of Chardonnay) shows fresh focus and clarity while exhibiting roundness and harmonious balance. A great St-Véran will express notes of almond, hazelnut, cinnamon, butter or toast and sometimes an exotic twist of orange peel. Seafood risotto or pasta with mushrooms are perfect pairings.