Pierreclos domaine farming organic Mâconnais vineyards across Mâcon, Saint Véran, Viré Clessé and Pouilly Fuissé.
The producer
Based in Pierreclos in the Mâconnais, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau was founded by Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon, whose first harvest was 2010. Frantz holds a degree in oenology and trained with Olivier Merlin. Caroline holds degrees in agricultural engineering and oenology and worked at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley. The domaine farms 6.8 hectares across Mâcon, Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé. All its vineyards have been Ecocert certified organic since 2013.
Known for
Organic Mâconnais parcel wines
Notable facts
The domaine's first harvest was 2010.
Frantz Chagnoleau trained as cellar master with Olivier Merlin between 2004 and 2009.
Caroline Gon worked at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley.
All the vineyards have been Ecocert certified organic since 2013.
The story
The Earliest Harvest
In 2020, Frantz Chagnoleau began harvesting on 23 August, the earliest start since 2003. He was aiming for around 13 degrees of alcohol, so the vineyard work focused on earlier picking and leaf management. The date came as ripeness arrived ahead of the domaine's previous harvest calendar. Frantz's decision brought the fruit into the cellar while the vintage was still unusually early. The 2020 harvest began with an August start and a clear target for moderate alcohol.
From the atlas
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau
A Pierreclos domaine making Mâconnais wines from organic vineyards and separate appellation parcels.
At A Glance
Base
Pierreclos, Mâconnais
Vineyard area
6.8 hectares
Farming
Ecocert certified organic since 2013
Bottle
Saint Véran La Roche
Range
Mâconnais appellation wines from several vineyard plots
The Producer
Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon founded the domaine, and its first harvest came in 2010. Frantz holds a degree in oenology and trained as cellar master with Olivier Merlin between 2004 and 2009. Caroline holds degrees in agricultural engineering and oenology, and worked at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley before returning to France.
Since 2013, all the vineyards have been Ecocert certified organic. The cellar follows a minimal intervention philosophy, with the wines made from holdings spread across several Mâconnais appellations.
Place
Pierreclos is the domaine's base in the Mâconnais. The holdings include a 3.5 hectare block in Saint Albain and several small plots in Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé.
The range carries the names of the surrounding appellations, from Mâcon and Mâcon Villages to Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé. Each name places the wine within a different part of the Mâconnais label system.
Wines
The domaine produces Mâcon, Mâcon Villages, Viré Clessé, Saint Véran and Pouilly Fuissé. Pouilly Fuissé Pastoral has a balanced palate with a fine thread of acidity. Saint Véran La Fournaise and Saint Véran La Roche are named Saint Véran bottlings from the range.
Saint Véran La Roche has nuanced oak influenced character. Its vineyard source and ageing sequence give the bottle a more specific place and cellar profile than the broader appellation wines.
In The Glass
Saint Véran La Fournaise has wonderful bite and bounce, with a complex, busy palate carrying ripe, beautiful, complete fruit. The acidity keeps the palate active while the fruit fills out the middle of the wine.
Saint Véran La Roche has a nuanced oak influenced character. The barrel contribution sits within the wine instead of replacing its fruit, leaving a rounded impression alongside the fresh white wine profile.
A Bottle To Understand It
Open Saint Véran La Roche. It comes from Chardonnay vines that are 70 years old on a 0.42 hectare parcel in the La Roche climat of Saint Véran. The wine ages one year in old 228 litre oak barrels, followed by six months in stainless steel before bottling.
Old barrels can add oak flavour and texture, while stainless steel keeps the later ageing vessel neutral. The bottle therefore carries both a named parcel and a clearly defined élevage sequence.
Final Word
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau brings together two oenology trained makers, organic vineyard work and a Mâconnais range divided among appellations and parcels.