Domaine Macle

The late Jean Macle created the reputation of this estate with his endless quest to make a refined and long-lived Château-Chalon, which he recommended drinking only from ten years after bottling (or 17 years after the vintage). His son Laurent is more flexible, but has maintained the high reputation extremely well, something that should continue through his own daughter, Carmen.
Laurent has made small changes, converting the 9ha of vineyards to organics, certified in 2019, and has introduced small-lot cuvées of Chardonnay and Savagnin that are more experimental (denoted by having a pick-axe on the label).
The main range is just four wines: 100% Chardonnay, aged under veil for 3-4 years (the label shows a line drawing of the house); a similarly-made Chardonnay blended with roughly 20% oxidative Savagnin with the more traditional label; a Chardonnay Macvin; and the famous Château-Chalon, from Savagnin grown in at least four different highly-rated, steep vineyard plots, rich in grey-marl, the traditional soil prized for Savagnin. The finesse, elegance and complexity of Macle’s long-lived Château-Chalon is extraordinary.
The meticulous, dry cellars are like a rabbit warren under the narrow streets of the hilltop village and if ever you get a chance (strictly by appointment), do visit.