Numa Cornut Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Drawn from carefully selected parcels within Burgundy’s limestone-dominant landscape, Numa Cornut’s Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022 captures the quiet authority of the region’s foundational terroir. The vineyards are rooted in classic Jurassic limestone soils layered with varying proportions of clay and marl, soils that are instrumental in shaping the wine’s tensile structure and mineral clarity. Gentle slopes with predominantly eastern and southeastern exposures allow for gradual morning sun and moderated afternoon warmth, encouraging steady ripening while protecting natural acidity.

The 2022 growing season was marked by warmth and ample sunshine, yet Burgundy’s hallmark diurnal shifts—cool evenings following warm days—preserved aromatic lift and structural balance. Despite the vintage’s generosity, the limestone substrata ensured that freshness and precision remained intact. The result is a regional Chardonnay that, while not tied to a single cru, speaks clearly of place: mineral, composed, and driven by underlying geological energy rather than sheer ripeness.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Fruit is harvested by hand at optimal maturity to maintain balance between ripeness and acidity. Whole-cluster pressing is typically employed to preserve delicacy and minimize phenolic bitterness. Fermentation occurs in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, allowing for both aromatic purity and subtle textural development. Indigenous yeasts guide fermentation, reinforcing transparency of site and vintage expression.

Malolactic fermentation is partially completed, softening the wine’s edges while retaining vibrancy. Aging on fine lees for several months enhances mouthfeel and adds quiet complexity—bringing subtle notes of brioche and almond without overt oak character. New oak, if used at all, remains minimal and restrained. The philosophy here is not to sculpt the wine with wood, but to frame the fruit and mineral components with quiet structure and nuance. Bottling occurs with careful attention to preserving freshness, ensuring the wine remains both expressive in youth and capable of evolution.

Tasting Notes
The 2022 presents a luminous pale gold hue with brilliant clarity. Aromatically, it opens with fresh orchard fruit—crisp green apple and ripe pear—interwoven with lemon zest, white peach, and delicate white blossom. As it unfolds in the glass, hints of crushed chalk, blanched almond, and a whisper of brioche emerge, adding dimension without heaviness.

On the palate, the wine balances generosity with tension. Ripe citrus and stone fruit glide across a finely textured mid-palate, supported by lively acidity that keeps the wine lifted and precise. A subtle saline and chalk-driven minerality runs through the core, giving definition and length. The texture is supple but not creamy, with a linear backbone that speaks to its limestone origins. There is an understated elegance at play—harmonious, poised, and quietly complex.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 50–54°F in a Burgundy bowl to allow the aromatics and textural nuances to fully express themselves. This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with herb-roasted chicken, beurre blanc–sauced sole, grilled prawns, or creamy risotto with spring vegetables. Its balance of acidity and texture also makes it an excellent companion to soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or Chaource, as well as mild goat cheeses.

The wine’s composure allows it to complement dishes featuring butter, cream, or subtle spice, where its freshness can cut through richness while its mineral undertones enhance savory depth.

Cellaring & Longevity
While immediately appealing in its youth for its freshness and purity, the 2022 possesses sufficient structure and acidity to reward short- to mid-term cellaring. Over the next 3–5 years, expect the bright citrus and orchard fruit tones to mellow into deeper notes of baked apple, hazelnut, and honeyed citrus, with the mineral backbone becoming more pronounced and integrated.

In optimal storage conditions, the wine may continue to evolve gracefully for up to 6–8 years from vintage. With time, tertiary nuances—subtle toast, almond cream, and a more pronounced saline complexity—are likely to emerge, lending added depth while maintaining its Burgundian precision. Though not intended for decades-long aging, it offers a compelling window of evolution that reflects both the strength of the 2022 vintage and the disciplined winemaking approach behind it.