(Assemblage Millésimes 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 et 2018) 

Introducing for the first time, a non-vintage Clos Reyssie from Domaine Valette, conceived by Baptiste and Philippe - a model likely to shape future vintages. This wine originates from 70-year-old Chardonnay vines in clay-limestone soil, manually harvested and slowly pressed. It undergoes extensive aging on the fine lees, initially in barrels previously housing 3 to 5 wines, then in vats. This blend combines the full harvest of 2014, with additional barrels from 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Bottled unfiltered, this is a remarkable showcase of years of attentive craftsmanship. A Grande Reserve cuvee in the greatest sense and something to pair with the finest gastronomy!

Baptiste and Philippe Valette continues on in their father Gerard’s footsteps by producing incredible wines, packed with personality. They are the reference point for artisan wines from the Mâconnais. Their work is exacting; once the fruit is ready the harvest is manual in late September and once in the winery the entire harvest is pressed slowly with a pneumatic press. Vinification is natural: without sulphur, without yeasts, chaptalisation or acidification.

I often find myself in the cellars and homes of the winemakers that we work with and those that we would like to work with and it is interesting to see the bottles that have been kept by them that sit empty in their homes and cellars. I think it would be fair to say that those of Valette have been the most prominent and when remarked upon, his work is respected and adored. 

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