Jean-Claude Ramonet Bouzeron Aligoté 2022

Notes:

Producer: Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet is one of the benchmark estates of Chassagne-Montrachet, with the family's modern reputation established by Pierre Ramonet, whose meticulous vineyard work helped elevate the domaine among Burgundy's most respected producers. Today, the estate is managed by Noël Ramonet alongside Anne-France, Clarisse, Michael, and Pierre Ramonet, continuing a philosophy centered on low yields, manual harvesting, and traditional Burgundian winemaking. The domaine farms approximately 17 hectares across 24 appellations, with roughly 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, including holdings in Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, and numerous Premier Cru vineyards. While the estate is best known for Chardonnay, its Bouzeron demonstrates the same precision and restrained approach applied throughout the portfolio.
Vineyard: This wine is produced exclusively from vineyards within the Bouzeron AOC in the Côte Chalonnaise, the only village-level appellation in Burgundy dedicated exclusively to the Aligoté grape. The appellation encompasses vineyards in the communes of Bouzeron and Chassey-le-Camp, where Aligoté Doré thrives on marl-limestone soils that naturally preserve freshness while contributing mineral depth and structure. The 2022 growing season provided warm, dry conditions with healthy fruit and excellent ripening, producing wines that combine generous fruit with vibrant acidity and balance.
Winemaking: Grapes are harvested entirely by hand before being gently pressed and fermented using traditional Burgundian methods. Fermentation and élevage take place primarily in older French oak barrels for approximately 10 months, allowing subtle texture and complexity to develop without imparting significant oak character. Complete malolactic fermentation and extended lees contact contribute additional roundness while preserving the bright acidity and mineral expression that define Bouzeron. Ramonet's restrained élevage emphasizes purity, balance, and transparency of terroir over richness or excessive oak influence.
Technical Details: Bouzeron AOC; 2022 vintage; 100% Aligoté; Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy; marl-limestone soils; hand harvested; fermented and aged predominantly in older French oak barrels for approximately 10 months; complete malolactic fermentation; extended lees aging; 12.5% ABV; natural cork closure.
Food Pairing: Oysters, shrimp, crab, grilled white fish, Dover sole, sushi, gougères, roast chicken, goat cheese, Comté, and fresh chèvre. The combination of bright citrus fruit, white flowers, crisp acidity, and pronounced mineral character makes Bouzeron a natural companion to shellfish and lighter seafood, while its subtle texture from barrel aging allows it to pair equally well with roasted poultry, creamy cheeses, and classic Burgundian cuisine.