de la Denante: Saint Veran & Macon Verze
Finding authentic, delicious wines that feel like they should cost twice the price is our company's entire purpose for existing—the Vins Rare “raison d'être.”
And no producer embodies this mission more perfectly than Domaine de la Denante in southern Burgundy.
This is a true family estate, now run by the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Damien and Sophie Martin. Since taking over in 2010, they've painstakingly grown the domaine their father started in 1975 from just 2 hectares to 24, all nestled at the foot of the iconic Rocks of Solutré and Vergisson. They are masters of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais, the region that has long been the secret source for top-tier White Burgundy without the top-tier price tag. Today, we have two brilliant examples of their craft, each from a different village, each with its own story to tell.
The potential of this region isn't a secret anymore. In fact, it was validated over two decades ago when the iconic Anne-Claude Leflaive purchased 9 hectares in Verzé, recognizing the immense quality slumbering in its limestone soils. To put the incredible value of the Denante wines into perspective, just look at the comparison in the chart below!
First up is the wine that brings its own sunshine: the Mâcon-Verzé. Think of this as your perfect introduction to the charm of the region. It’s a postcard from the rolling, sun-drenched limestone hills of the village of Verzé.
This is pure, unoaked Chardonnay that balances ripe notes of yellow apple and pear with a vibrant, chalky minerality that keeps it incredibly fresh and focused. It’s simply a joyous, uplifting white wine that’s perfect for the porch, a platter of oysters, or any night of the week.
If the Mâcon-Verzé is the perfect, joyous introduction, its sibling from the prestigious village of Saint-Véran shows what happens when you add another layer of complexity.
Grown on classic clay-limestone soils, the Saint-Véran is aged for 8 months on its fine lees (half in steel, half in barrel), which gives it a richer texture and more intricate profile. It offers gorgeous floral notes, citrusy orchard fruit, and that classic hint of flinty minerality that Burgundy lovers crave. The palate is succulent and structured, with a dry, beautifully focused finish. It’s a wine that tastes serious, yet remains utterly drinkable.
Grab both. The Mâcon-Verzé is your brilliant, everyday sipper and the Saint-Véran takes things up just a notch. Together, they are a fantastic exploration of the Mâconnais and a testament to one of our favorite producers.
