Vézelay

• Chardonnay: Vézelay's sole grape for AOC wines, showcasing crisp acidity and a mineral, steely profile. Expect flavors of green apple, citrus, and subtle floral notes with a hint of flint or saline.
• Winemaking Style: These wines are typically dry, focusing on freshness and transparency. They are usually unoaked or lightly oaked, with fermentation often occurring in stainless steel or neutral containers. Some winemakers use older barrels or lees aging for added texture.
• Overall Character: Vézelay wines are vibrant and focused, more akin to Chablis than richer, buttery Chardonnays, making them a refreshing choice for those who appreciate a more mineral-driven style.

Vézelay's vineyards sit on steep, sunlit slopes, mainly facing south to southeast, at heights between 180 and 300 meters. The soil here is rich in limestone clays and marls from the Upper Jurassic period, dotted with marine fossils. This geology provides excellent drainage and gives the wines a unique chalky and flinty taste.

The climate is cool and continental, with cold winters and a short growing season. Summers are warm, but nights stay cool, and spring and early autumn can be quite wet.

Challenges like spring frosts and summer hail slow down the ripening process. This results in Chardonnay grapes with high natural acidity, clear fruit flavors, and a strong mineral influence. These conditions create a vibrant, mineral-driven style in Vézelay wines, making them similar to Chablis.

The Vézelay region in northern Burgundy is celebrated for its distinct Chardonnay wines, produced by a mix of cooperative and family-run estates. Notable wineries include:

• Cave Henry de Vézelay (Les Vignerons de la Colline Éternelle): A cooperative in Saint-Père uniting local growers, producing much of Vézelay’s wine.
• Le Cellier de l’Abbaye (Martin Barbieux): A small estate known for organic practices and parcel-specific cuvées, emphasizing traditional methods.
• Domaine La Croix Montjoie: A family-owned estate focusing on crisp, precise Chardonnay from organic vineyards.
• Domaine Sainte Madeleine: A newer domaine using organic and biodynamic methods to cultivate several lieux-dits.

Other quality producers include Domaine Montanet-Thoden and Domaine des Coëuriots, with négociants like Simonnet-Febvre also showcasing Vézelay's distinctive Chardonnay.

Vézelay is increasingly recognized for its commitment to sustainable winemaking, with a significant number of vineyards practicing organic and biodynamic farming. Producers focus on enhancing soil health and reducing synthetic inputs, reflecting a dedication to the land's natural balance.

Common practices include the use of cover crops, handpicking grapes, and fermenting with native yeast. The emphasis is on low-intervention methods that highlight the region's limestone-rich terroir. These efforts not only support the environment but also allow the unique characteristics of Vézelay's vineyards to shine through in the wine.

By prioritizing sustainable farming, Vézelay's winemakers aim to preserve the region’s natural beauty and ensure the quality of their Chardonnay, which is celebrated for its crisp, mineral-driven profile, reminiscent of nearby Chablis.

Vézelay in northern Burgundy offers a captivating wine tourism experience, combining vineyard exploration with cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours and tastings by appointment, particularly during weekends and peak seasons. The region's itineraries link the four villages of the Vézelay appellation, enhancing the exploration of its Chardonnay wines.

• Vineyard Tours: Discover the artisanal wine production in Vézelay, with visits to both cooperative and family-run estates.
• Cultural Heritage: Experience stunning views from the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a highlight of the region's historical appeal.
• Scenic Routes: Travel through picturesque vineyards, offering breathtaking views of the basilica and Morvan foothills.
• Local Events: Participate in open-house weekends and wine fairs, where Vézelay’s Chardonnay is paired with regional dishes.