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The Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019 is actually named Esprit des Lieux Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019, but the label shows the grape origin in bold letters on top of the label and the name in small print on the bottom.
The Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019 is a $10.99 Trader Joe’s imported wine. I found this wine online selling at a couple of online wine shops from New York State for between $14 and $17.
Esprit des Lieux translates to Spirit of Place. Macon is a district in Burgundy that specializes in Chardonnay wine. There is a pecking order for wines from this region, the base designation is Macon AOC and these are wines sourced from the entire region.
Then there are Macon-Villages AOC which are sourced from vineyards surrounding all or some of the approved towns. Then come Macon and a single designated village AOC. Here the town is Verze, there are only so many approved single villages, so these are fairly exclusive wines. There are only 130 acres of Chardonnay vines.
So this Trader Joe’s eleven bucks French special has a decent pedigree. This Chardonnay is a product of a commune or a coop. In France, these coops are not held in the same high regard as wine from an Estate or Chateau. But for a value-priced drink-it-now wine a coop is more than good enough.
Trader Joe’s is ALDI North in Europe and both ALDI North and ALDI South (the US ALDI) have major reputations as the place to go for wine bargains. Both ALDI’s have terrific sourcing for good value European wine.
I do not have any details on the production techniques for the Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019, most of the Chardonnay I drink comes from California or Washington. Burgundy is ground zero for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and while most other wine regions try to copy their style this should be a unique and French Chardonnay.
I would not expect much oak aging, maybe used barrels or neutral oak. I expect this to be more crisp and clean than buttery. The alcohol content is 13%.
Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019 Tasting Notes
The color is a clear and shiny golden yellow. The nose is pretty, there is peach, pear, apple, lemon, a touch of vanilla cream (maybe there is some oak conditioning), banana, and coconut milk.
This is a very balanced Chardonnay, long and lean, with solid acidity and good flavor. It starts with peach, tart green apple, Meyer lemon, lime, and pear. The mid-palate offers a little tropical fruit, a creamy sensation, and slightly sour pink grapefruit.
The flavor profile reminds me of Sauvignon Blanc a little, it is definitely a Chardonnay but there are interesting tropical scents and flavors. The acidity is spot on giving this Chardonnay excellent length.
The Summary
- The Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019 is a well-made tasty Chardonnay. It going on my Recommended list.
- If you are heading to Trader Joe’s for some last-minute Thanksgiving supplies and need a really good wine for your table, give the Macon Verze Chardonnay 2019 some serious consideration.
- Or just drink it on Tuesday, it is good.
