Maratray-Dubreuil Ladoix "La Blancharde" 2023

Notes:

Producer: Domaine Maratray-Dubreuil is a family-owned estate located in Ladoix-Serrigny, at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune between Beaune and Aloxe-Corton. The domaine is managed by siblings François-Xavier and Marie-Madeleine Maratray and farms approximately 19 hectares across Ladoix, Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Chorey-lès-Beaune, and Corton Grand Cru appellations. The estate cultivates both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with all vineyards harvested by hand. Vineyard management emphasizes sustainable farming, limited intervention, and careful parcel selection, while production remains focused on expressing the character of each climat through traditional Burgundian winemaking.
Vineyard: La Blancharde is a village-level climat within the Ladoix AOC, planted entirely to Chardonnay. Ladoix occupies a strategic position at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune, immediately bordering Aloxe-Corton and the hill of Corton. Vineyards in this sector benefit from limestone and clay soils that provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during the growing season. The combination of limestone-rich subsoils, moderate elevations, and east to southeast exposures contributes to wines with bright acidity, mineral character, and balanced fruit. La Blancharde reflects the cooler northern end of the Côte de Beaune while sharing the same geological foundation as many of the neighboring Corton vineyards.
Winemaking: Produced from 100% Chardonnay, the grapes are harvested manually and pressed gently before fermentation. The wine is vinified according to traditional Burgundian methods and matured in French oak barrels to preserve both freshness and texture. Oak is used to support the wine rather than dominate it, allowing the fruit and vineyard character to remain the focus. Careful élevage on the lees adds structure and complexity while maintaining the natural acidity that characterizes Chardonnay from Ladoix. The result is a wine that combines freshness, mineral definition, and moderate richness while remaining approachable in its youth.
Food Pairing: Pair with roast chicken, grilled lobster, Dover sole, scallops, halibut, creamy poultry dishes, mushroom risotto, or young Comté. The wine's combination of citrus-driven acidity, subtle oak, and mineral structure also complements shellfish, freshwater fish, and soft-ripened cheeses.