SOLD OUT! The stunning Viré-Clessés from André Bonhomme are among the finest White White Burgundy values in the world. Not only are they delicious and complex upon release, they are also wines that stand the test of time. We got very lucky this year and were able to secure 7 cases each of their uber-rare Cuvée Spéciale and Vieilles Vignes bottlings. Rarely seen outside of France, I am incredibly proud to be the only store in Western North Carolina to have these available
2018 André Bonhomme Viré-Clessé ‘Vieilles Vignes’
Serve this powerful and intense white in a big glass to get the full effect! And don’t serve too cold!!
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They’re not kidding when they say Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines)! This is produced entirely from vines that are 75 to 90 years old. These low-yielding, deeply rooted, and certified organic vines give the wine tremendous concentration, intensity, and expansive aromas and flavors. Fermented with native yeasts, the wine is aged for 2 years in a mixture of stainless steel and French oak barrels, 15% which are new.
2018 André Bonhomme Viré-Clessé ‘Cuvée Spéciale’
Rich and exotic yet zesty and mineralic. Again, serve in a big glass and not too cold!
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What makes this wine special is that it comes from some of Bonhomme’s top hillside plots and parcels. Vine age ranges from 45 to 75+ years and like the Vieilles Vignes, all of the vineyards are certified organic and practicing biodynamic. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in vat and neutral oak.
As with all of Bonhomme’s wines, there’s tremendous depth and intensity here. The 2018 shows that classic minerality the estate’s wines are known for, but it’s also loaded with ripe and exotic fruit and floral notes too. I get lots of mango, white peach, citrus zest, and floral aromas and flavors. It will sound weird, but I highly recommend decanting this one. It’s a bit shy at first, but with some air and agitation, it opens up beautifully. Drink this one now or over the next 5-7 years.
I know some folks are going to ask me which one is my favorite, and I’m going to tell you right now that I’m not going to answer that questions. Both of these Viré-Clessés and the Macon-Villages are world-class White Burgundies. Get some of each. As I’ve said before, these are wines that offer immediate gratification and long-term cellar potential.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville