Vinous

The 2022 Mâcon Villages Les Sardines was ordered at a restaurant in Mâcon as I did not have time to schedule an overdue visit. I notice a little pétillance in my glass. The nose comes across a bit natty with sea spray and light bell pepper scents, though I warm to it over the course of my vegetarian lasagne. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity. Again, it does not shy away from that SO2-free personality but it does it with style and I appreciate the salinity on the finish. Put it this way…I resolved to return to this Fuissé-based domaine on my next visit.

Tasting Notes

With mouthwatering notes of citrus, honey, and the faintest salinity, Jean-Jacques Robert’s third vintage of this Mâcon-Villages is more immediately approachable (read: gulpable) than his age-worthy Pouilly-Fuissés. Still bearing the trademark Robert-Denogent acidity, it makes for a perfect apéritif or partner to light, fresh seafood or roasted cauliflower. 

About the Wine

These winemakers are experts in Chardonnay. This Mâcon-Villages Les Sardines is a single-variety beauty, made from select parcels and aged in non-new barriques for 18 months. On the nose you’ll enjoy enticing aromas of ripe white fruit, pastry notes and toasted touches. On the palate it is intense, creamy and enveloping. It reveals a good structure, crisp acidity and a long finish, with balanced freshness and minerality.

Fantastic match to hors d’oeuvres at the start of the night or a spring vegetable risotto for dinner.

The painter of the Mâcon-Villages “Les Sardines” label is Denis Pesnot, an artist based in Morgon. In addition to this label, Denis painted the murals on the ceiling of the winery at Domaine Lapierre. Denis and Jean-Jacques Robert have known each other for years through their mutual friendships with Marcel Lapierre and the Gang of Four.