Certified‑organic Mâcon‑Villages Chardonnay from Château de Messey, blending fruit from Mâcon‑Cruzille and Mâcon‑Chardonnay, made with native yeasts and élevage in older barrels/foudres for a fresh, flinty style.
It's a blend of 50% from the Clos and 50% from the vineyard by the Chateau, and in 10 year old barriques, and 3 yr old foudres. Named Chouettes (owls) out of respect, as at Messey they put so much into letting nature and the eco-system have its say in the area, which creates an environment in the vineyard where chemicals are not needed.
Notes on the producer
Owner Marc Dumont purchased the chateau and 89ha estate in the early 90s. Since 2018 the estate has really upped its game, beginning conversion to organic farming and implementing a new cellar regime aimed at getting the best terroir expression from its prized chardonnay vineyard plots. Marc has also sold off his properties further north in the Cote de Nuits to focus exclusively on Messey estate chardonnays.
Located on a hilltop just outside Tournus in the commune of Ozenay, the château has been fully renovated since Marc took ownership. Since 2018, under the supervision of new winery operations manager Frédéric Servais (an expert in organic and biodynamic farming), the estate has been in conversion to organic farming - especially suited to the estate’s two isolated vineyards, Le Clos des Avoueries in Cruzille (a 1er cru in waiting) and the plot of Mâcon-Chardonnay, adjoining the historic château.
In the cellar, Servais has implemented spontaneous fermentations at controlled temperatures. The increased focus in both the vineyards and cellar is yielding chardonnay wines of striking the precision and terroir character. These are exciting times indeed for the Dumont family and Château de Messey.
