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Domaine de la Bongran
Viré-Clessé · Burgundy · France
Located in the small hamlet of Quintaine, nestled between Viré and Clessé, Jean Thévenet and his son Gautier, who joined the family business in 1996 and took over in 2000, craft distinctive wines that are recognized for their exceptional value. They harvest their Chardonnay grapes later than many of their neighbours, resulting in a richer style of wine. Their wines are inherently rich and full-bodied, marked by an impressive concentration and remarkable freshness. The Thévenets attribute this freshness to the estate’s white marl soil, which they believe helps the fruit maintain its acidity even at peak ripeness. The vineyard hosts vines that are as old as 80 years and are situated at altitudes ranging from 250 to 300 metres. In the winery Jean Thévenet says, “Terroir is to wine what a composer is to music, the winemaker being only the conductor.”In keeping with this philosophy, the winery practises minimal intervention. The fermentations occur exceptionally slowly, utilising native yeasts and can extend up to two years.
“This method allows the wine to mature on its fine lees, enriching it with a viscous texture.”
The white marl soil of the vineyard enhances the wine’s minerality and acidity. Remarkably, despite the richness of the wines, no oak is used in the ageing process; instead, stainless steel tanks are exclusively employed in the winery. The Thévenets choose to release their wines only when they deem them ready for consumption, typically about four years post-vintage. Although released ready to drink, their wines are known for their potential to age gracefully, often reaching their best after a decade in the bottle.
