Domaine Du Mont Épin Viré-Clessé 2024

Overlooking a landscape of rolling vineyards framed by wild hawthorn and acacia, Mont Épin is a place of rare beauty and quiet power. This exceptional setting immediately caught the attention of Richard and Stéphane Martin of Domaine de la Croix Senaillet, who recognised its remarkable potential and acquired Domaine du Mont Épin in 2015.

The estate spans two appellations: 4 hectares in Viré-Clessé and a further 9 hectares in Mâcon-Péronne. In Viré-Clessé, the old vines are spread across the Breillonde and Troupe parcels, perfectly positioned on gentle slopes facing the rising sun. The soils here are composed of limestone and Oxfordian marl dating back to the Jurassic period. This unique composition, combined with the natural incline, ensures excellent drainage and a perfectly balanced water supply. Although Viré-Clessé only achieved AOC status in 1999, its winemaking history dates back to the 1st century AD. Briefly, Gamay was planted during the Middle Ages, but was soon abandoned due to quality concerns. Today, only Chardonnay is permitted for Viré-Clessé wines, which cover just 400 hectares with an annual production of around 23,000 hectolitres.

The Mâcon-Péronne vineyard lies at the foot of the winery itself, halfway up the western slope of Mont Épin. The hill provides natural protection for the vines, while from its summit one enjoys a breathtaking view over this single, walled vineyard parcel, enclosed by hedges and stone boundaries. Traces of the feudal era still bear witness to the estate’s long and layered history. The Mâcon appellation is older than Viré-Clessé, having been granted AOC status in 1937. It includes 27 geographically designated names, all beginning with “Mâcon,” covering approximately 2,000 hectares planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. Viticulture here also dates back to Roman times, when vines were first planted along Gallo-Roman routes. At that time, Mont Épin served as a resting place for travellers.

A key ambition of brothers Richard and Stéphane was the conversion to organic viticulture, a commitment already established at their other estate. The transition began immediately after acquisition and was successfully completed in 2019, marking a new chapter focused on purity, respect for nature, and precision in winemaking.