Domaine Danjean-Berthoux “Chaume Ronde”

BURGUNDY, France |  2022

This is Côte Chalonnaise Burgundy at its best and is much more serious than the humble Bourgogne appellation suggests. Domaine Danjean-Berthoux is based in Jambles, just west of Givry, and is a legacy family domaine now in its 4th generation with Charles-Antoine Danjean leading the winery today alongside his father, Pascal. The legacy continuity matters here as these wines feel like they’re made by people who have a deep understanding of the land coupled with traditional winemaking methodology, and the importance of good vineyard management.

Farming is thoughtful and practical encompassing the French philosophy lutte raisonnée (reasoned viticulture), with some parcels kept in grass cover and soils frequently horse-ploughed. “Chaume Ronde” comes from a tiny 1.1 hectare parcel with marl soils and old-vines dating back to 1967 producing a scant 2,500 bottles a year. It’s rested for roughly 9–10 months in used Burgundy barrels where the goal is to bring shape and texture to the final product, not makeup.

The 2022 vintage in Burgundy is generous, and this wine leans into that with bright cherry and raspberry a little dried herb and earth, and silky, hedonistic pleasure. I describe this one using one of my favorite Great Britsh Bake Off terms, “Scrummy!” Serve it with roast chicken, salmon, charcuterie, mushroom anything, or a burger with caramelized onions, or just by itself.