Domaine Rollin, Chardonnay, Bourgogne Blanc, Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Burgundy, France 2020

From a small parcel of Chardonnay planted in the western reaches of Pernand on into Echevronne, the Rollins produce a white of lively acidity but with a certain heft that comes from the strictly limited production levels required to achieve maximum maturity from grapes planted on these slopes that see less late afternoon sun.

The Rollin domaine covers twelve hectares of vineyards, eight of which are owned with the other four being rented. The vineyards are spread over five separate communes (Pernand Vergelesses, Savigny les Beaune, Echevronne, Aloxe Corton and Chorey les Beaune). The estate produces approximately 60,000 bottles per year across fourteen separate appellations.

The vineyard work is meticulous and, although not certified organic, the methodology in practice is applied in a manner designed to maximize the expression of terroir by eliminating (or reducing to an absolute minimum) any treatments in the vineyards. All grapes are harvested manually and fermentations proceed with indigenous yeasts.

This white spends 8-10 months in stainless steel tank (50%) and 400L neutral oak barrels (50%). It is bottled unfined, with occasional plate filtration.