Dom. Chantal Lescure Côte de Beaune blanc "La Grande Châtelaine" 2023, bts 75cl

Domaine Chantal Lescure – Côte de Beaune 'La Grande Châtelaine' 2023

The Return to Aromatic Precision

In 2026, the 2023 'La Grande Châtelaine' has officially arrived, representing a stylistic shift from the solar richness of 2022 toward a more classic, high-toned profile. This vintage is a milestone as it is one of the first white wines to be fully released under the new stewardship of Eric Rousseau and Jean-Philippe Girard, who have sought to amplify the site's natural energy.

The Terroir: Freshness from the Heights

• The Location: This 1.19-hectare monopole is situated north of the Beaune 1er Crus. It is an east-to-south-east facing slope that sits higher than many neighboring vineyards.

• The Soil: Very thin, stony soil composed of clay over a hard limestone base. This "bony" terroir was a massive advantage in 2023, allowing the 40-year-old vines to maintain a sharp mineral focus despite the generous yields of the vintage.

🍷 2023 Tasting Notes (2026 Release Status)

Early tastings in 2026 describe this as a "crystalline" vintage. It lacks the heavy "gold" fruit of 2022, favoring a more "silver" and citrus-driven palette.

• The Nose: Remarkably high-toned and fresh. It opens with intense notes of green lime, ginger, and lemon zest, underpinned by a delicate floral scent of white acacia.

• The Palate: Precise and "vibrant." The 2023 vintage delivered a lovely natural acidity that gives the wine a "nervous" energy. It tastes of white peach and crisp pear, with a distinct stony texture.

• The Finish: Clean and saline. Because the wine was aged for 15 months in neutral 500L barrels without stirring (bâtonnage), the finish is pure and transparent, showing a light touch of hazelnut and flint.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The Seafood Match: Raw oysters or a delicate white fish ceviche; the ginger and lime notes in the wine act as a natural seasoning.

• The Savory Pair: Chicken paillard with lemon and capers; the wine's acidity cuts through the savory caper brine beautifully.

• The Cheese: Young goat cheese (Chèvre) or a light Brillat-Savarin; the wine's mineral "cut" balances the creaminess.

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2023 'La Grande Châtelaine' is all about its "upward" aromatics. Serve it at 10–11°C to preserve that lime and ginger spice. It does not need a decanter, but it benefits from being poured 15 minutes before drinking to allow the reductive "stony" notes to blow off and reveal the fruit.