Frantz Chagnoleau

History of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

The story of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau began in 2009, when Frantz and Caroline decided to combine their talents and deep love of Burgundy to establish their own winery. Originally from Charente-Maritime, Frantz honed his skills alongside Olivier Merlin, a leading figure in the Mâconnais and an acknowledged master of the region’s terroirs. Caroline, an agricultural engineer and enologist, refined her organic and biodynamic approach to viticulture during a notable stint at Newton Vineyards in California’s Napa Valley, before joining the prestigious Domaine des Héritiers du Comte Lafon in Milly-Lamartine, where she worked alongside Dominique Lafon.

Drawing on this exceptional training, Frantz and Caroline produced their first vintage in 2010. From its earliest years, the estate distinguished itself through exacting standards in both vineyard and cellar, quickly building a strong reputation among wine enthusiasts and professionals. Certified organic by Ecocert since 2012, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is regularly cited as one of southern Burgundy’s rising stars, sought after by lovers of fine Mâconnais wines vintage after vintage.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

The vineyards of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau cover approximately 7 hectares across several villages in the Mâconnais: Saint-Albain, Chasselas, Prissé, Vergisson, and Pierreclos. These carefully selected plots offer a remarkably diverse mosaic of terroirs, from stony limestone to deep clay and marl with a pronounced mineral character.

The entire vineyard is certified organic. All the vines are cultivated by plowing, encouraging soil life, deep root growth, and an authentic expression of terroir in the glass. Yields are strictly controlled, and grapes are harvested exclusively by hand to ensure optimal selection. The vines average more than 50 years of age, a valuable maturity that gives the wines their complexity, concentration, and aging potential.

Taking their environmental approach further, Frantz and Caroline incorporate biodynamic practices into vineyard management: using herbal infusions, respecting lunar cycles, and working the soil in harmony with natural rhythms. This holistic philosophy seeks an ideal balance between the vine, its soil, and its surroundings, allowing each terroir to express its unique character fully.

Winemaking at Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

Winemaking at Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau rests on a fundamental principle: let the terroir speak and intervene as little as possible. From the first stages of vinification, this low-intervention approach means using only indigenous yeasts, naturally present on the grape skins and in the cellar. This rare and demanding practice allows slow, complex fermentations that reveal the distinctive character of each plot.

After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wines remain on their fine lees, preserving their aromatic richness and texture. They are aged in Burgundy barrels, with precise, measured use of oak that never dominates but always serves the fruit and terroir. Some cuvées then spend time in stainless steel tanks to refine their freshness and finesse before bottling, which takes place either before the following harvest or after a few additional months, depending on the cuvée. The wines are lightly filtered for stability while preserving their complexity. The result: rich, precise wines of great aromatic purity, built to age beautifully.

The cuvées of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

Mâcon Villages "Clos Saint Pancras"

Clos Saint Pancras is the estate’s entry-level cuvée, but its quality is already remarkable. Made from organically grown Chardonnay on the clay-limestone soils of the Mâconnais, it is a ripe, expressive wine with aromas dominated by lemon and touches of white flowers. The palate is round, fresh, and balanced—ideal with fish and goat cheese. 

Viré-Clessé "Les Raspillères"

Les Raspillères stands out for its full, smooth texture, characteristic of this particular Viré-Clessé terroir. The generous nose offers ripe yellow fruit, citrus, and a buttery touch. On the palate, its rich texture is balanced by lively tension that gives the wine energy and length. Nine months of aging on the lees in Burgundy barrels adds complexity without ever obscuring the terroir. 

Saint-Véran "Prélude"

Prélude is the estate’s introduction to the Saint-Véran appellation—and what an introduction it is! Mineral, pure, and exceptionally refined, this wine perfectly embodies the estate’s signature style: subtle, seamlessly integrated oak, limestone and floral aromas, and a precise, taut, remarkably easy-drinking palate with lovely aromatic persistence. 

Saint-Véran "La Roche"

La Roche expresses a rocky limestone terroir that gives the wine lovely freshness and characteristic mineral tension. The nose is elegantly floral and fruity, while the palate is refined and balanced, with an especially appealing saline finish.

Saint-Véran "À La Côte"

With À La Côte, Frantz Chagnoleau explores a slightly greater degree of ripeness, bringing more charm and roundness to the wine. The style remains refined and balanced, but with added volume and generosity on the palate. Rated among the appellation’s best cuvées in several professional tastings, this Saint-Véran is a rewarding discovery for lovers of expressive white Burgundy.

Saint-Véran "La Fournaise"

La Fournaise is a sunnier-style cuvée. Its evocatively named plot produces a wine with aromas of fully ripe yellow fruit and sweet spice. The palate is generous and flavorful, with lovely depth. A Saint-Véran to enjoy young or after a few years of aging.

Saint-Véran "Montchanin"

Grown on a distinctive terroir around the hamlet of Montchanin, the grapes produce a wine of lovely aromatic complexity and great precision. Both mineral and fruity, this Saint-Véran reflects the diversity of terroirs that Frantz Chagnoleau brings to life so skillfully.

Saint-Véran "Pré Jaux"

Pré Jaux is perhaps the most austere and structured cuvée in the Saint-Véran range. Powerful and taut, it needs a few years in the cellar to open fully and reveal all its complexity. Lovers of age-worthy wines will appreciate its focus and exceptional aging potential.

Pouilly-Fuissé "Pastoral"

Pastoral is regularly described by enthusiasts and critics as the estate’s favorite cuvée. From the limestone soils of Pouilly-Fuissé, it offers a remarkable nose combining ripe pear and peach, delicate floral notes, and a hint of honey. The palate is both full and taut, impeccably balanced, with a long, saline finish.

Pouilly-Fuissé "Madrigal"

Madrigal is the estate’s most ambitious cuvée. From the terroirs of Vergisson, it undergoes more pronounced oak aging, giving it an imposing structure and striking minerality. The complex, deep nose combines yellow fruit, floral notes, and elegant oak. The palate is concentrated, taut, and exceptionally long. Madrigal needs at least five years of aging to reach its full expression and reveal all its finesse.

Bourgogne Blanc "Le Carruge"

The newest addition to the range, Le Carruge takes its name from the vineyard site where the estate is based in Pierreclos. This is a forthright, fruity, fresh white Burgundy that showcases the estate’s expertise in a more everyday style.