Frantz Chagnoleau

History of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

The story of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau begins in 2009, when Frantz and Caroline decided to combine their talents and their deep love for Burgundy to create their own wine estate. Originally from Charente-Maritime, Frantz honed his expertise alongside Olivier Merlin, the guiding figure of the Mâconnais and an undisputed master of the region's terroirs. Caroline, an agronomist and oenologist, refined her organic and biodynamic approach to viticulture during a remarkable experience in California at Newton Vineyards in the Napa Valley, before joining the prestigious Domaine des Héritiers du Comte Lafon in Milly-Lamartine, where she worked alongside Dominique Lafon.

Armed with these exceptional backgrounds, Frantz and Caroline produced their first vintage in 2010. From its very first years, the estate distinguished itself through an absolute commitment to quality both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and quickly built a solid reputation among wine lovers and professionals alike. Certified in organic farming by Ecocert since 2012, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is regularly cited among the rising stars of southern Burgundy — a reference that wine enthusiasts of the Mâconnais eagerly seek out vintage after vintage.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

The vineyard of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau extends over approximately 7 hectares, spread across several communes of the Mâconnais: Saint-Albain, Chasselas, Prissé, Vergisson, and Pierreclos. These carefully selected plots offer a mosaic of terroirs of remarkable diversity, from stony limestone to deep clays, passing through marls with pronounced minerality.

The entire vineyard is managed under certified organic farming. All the vines are ploughed, thereby encouraging soil life, deep root penetration, and the authentic expression of the terroir in the glass. Yields are rigorously controlled, and harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand, ensuring optimal selection of the grapes. The average age of the vines exceeds 50 years — a precious maturity that gives the wines their complexity, concentration, and aging potential.

Going even further in their environmental approach, Frantz and Caroline incorporate elements of biodynamics into the management of the vineyard: the use of herbal teas, respect for lunar cycles, and soil work in harmony with natural rhythms. This holistic philosophy aims for a perfect balance between the vine, its soil, and its environment, so that each terroir can express itself in all its singularity.

Winemaking of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

Winemaking at Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau rests on a fundamental principle: letting the terroir speak, intervening as little as possible. This minimally interventionist approach is reflected from the very first stages of winemaking through the exclusive use of indigenous yeasts — those naturally present on the grape skins and in the cellar. This rare and demanding practice ensures slow and complex fermentations capable of revealing the full typicity of each plot.

After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wines are kept on their fine lees, thereby preserving their aromatic richness and texture. Aging takes place in Burgundian barrels, with a precise and measured use of oak, never overpowering, always in service of the fruit and the terroir. Some cuvées then spend time in stainless steel tanks to refine their freshness and finesse before bottling, which is carried out before the following harvest or after a few additional months depending on the cuvée. A light filtration is performed to stabilize the wines while preserving their complexity. The result: rich, precise wines of great aromatic purity, built for beautiful aging.

The cuvées of Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau

Mâcon Villages "Clos Saint Pancras"

Le Clos Saint Pancras is the entry-level cuvée of the estate, yet its quality level is already remarkable. Sourced from Chardonnay grown organically on the clay-limestone soils of the Mâconnais, this cuvée delivers a ripe, expressive wine with aromas dominated by citrus notes and touches of white flowers. The palate is round, fresh, and balanced, ideal to accompany fish and goat's cheese. 

Viré-Clessé "Les Raspillères"

Les Raspillères stands out for its ample and unctuous texture that characterizes this particular terroir of the Viré-Clessé appellation. The nose is generous, with ripe yellow fruits, citrus, and a buttery touch. The palate unfolds a rich texture, underpinned by a beautiful tension that gives the wine dynamism and length. The aging in Burgundian barrels for 9 months on lees adds further complexity without ever masking the terroir. 

Saint-Véran "Prélude"

Prélude is the estate's introductory cuvée to the Saint-Véran appellation — and what an introduction! Mineral, pure, and of exemplary finesse, this wine perfectly embodies the estate's signature: a fine and perfectly integrated oakiness, limestone and floral aromas, a precise, taut palate that is ultra-digestible, with a beautiful aromatic persistence. 

Saint-Véran "La Roche"

La Roche expresses a rocky, limestone terroir that gives the wine a beautiful freshness and a characteristic mineral tension. The nose is floral and fruity, elegant, while the palate is refined, balanced, with a very seductive saline finish.

Saint-Véran "À La Côte"

With À La Côte, Frantz Chagnoleau explores a slightly more advanced ripeness that brings greater charm and roundness to the wine. The style remains focused on finesse and balance, but with added volume and generosity on the palate. Noted among the finest cuvées of the appellation in several professional tastings, this Saint-Véran is a wonderful discovery for lovers of expressive white Burgundy.

Saint-Véran "La Fournaise"

La Fournaise is a more sun-drenched cuvée, whose evocatively named plot produces a wine with aromas of well-ripened yellow fruits and soft spices. The palate is generous, savory, with beautiful depth. A Saint-Véran to enjoy in its youth as well as over a few years of cellaring.

Saint-Véran "Montchanin"

Sourced from a specific terroir around the hamlet of Montchanin, the grapes give rise to a wine of beautiful aromatic complexity and great precision. Both mineral and fruity, this Saint-Véran reflects the diversity of terroirs that Frantz Chagnoleau knows how to exploit so skillfully.

Saint-Véran "Pré Jaux"

Pré Jaux is undoubtedly the most austere and structured cuvée in the Saint-Véran range. Powerful and taut, it requires a few years in the cellar to fully open up and reveal all its complexity. Lovers of wines for aging will appreciate its directness and exceptional aging potential.

Pouilly-Fuissé "Pastoral"

Pastoral is regularly presented as the estate's flagship cuvée by enthusiasts and critics alike. Sourced from Pouilly-Fuissé terroirs with limestone soils, it offers a remarkable nose combining ripe fruits (pear, peach), delicate florals, and a touch of honey. The palate is at once ample and taut, impeccably balanced, with a long, saline finish.

Pouilly-Fuissé "Madrigal"

Madrigal is the most ambitious cuvée of the estate. Sourced from the terroirs of Vergisson, it benefits from more pronounced aging that gives it an imposing structure and striking minerality. The nose, complex and deep, blends yellow fruits, floral notes, and an elegant oakiness. The palate is concentrated, taut, and of great length. Madrigal requires at least five years of cellaring to fully open up and reveal all its finesse.

Bourgogne Blanc "Le Carruge"

The latest addition to the range, the Le Carruge cuvée takes its name from the lieu-dit where the estate is located in Pierreclos. It is a white Bourgogne of beautiful frankness, fruity, fresh, expressing all the expertise of the estate in a more everyday register.