The Chardonnay We Never Have Enough Of....
Today’s offer is a dependable staple; a wine we look forward to receiving every year, and we never have enough of. Get ready for the reliable pleasure that will leave you smiling: La Paroisse Chardonnay
On my travels to France, Domaine de la Paroisse has become a non-negotiable stop — up through the steep village streets of Renaison, and along the long gravel drive to the farmhouse perched on the hillside above town to see Jean-Claude and Laetitia Chaucesse. There's a reliable rhythm to these visits, but it never seem to get old: Catching up over a walk through the vines, barrels tasted, the recent vintage discussed, and then, without fail, Jean-Claude ducks away for a moment, reappearing with a chilled bottle of his Chardonnay.
It’s a moment that I start looking forward to well before I've even pulled up the drive. They set out a plank of saucisson, a wedge of cheese, and the conversation drifts — to travels, to family, a mention of politics before we come to our sense and steer back towards more pleasant things.
That first glass of golden wine is a quiet ritual. A reminder to anyone lucky enough to be at that table of what all this work is actually for: to put smiles on people's faces.
On my last visit, Jean-Claude prepared me for the upcoming shortage of wine from the 2024 vintage. It was a challenging season, with a small harvest across the board. Not wanting to miss out on this chardonnay, the first of his wines to be released each year, I set a reminder in my calendar to get our order in early with them. Thankfully, they were able to set aside 120 bottles, which will be on its way to us shortly!
This is a bottle you’ll want to have on hand for the fine spring and summer weather. If you love chardonnay, this one delivers a juicy freshness with enough stuffing to be versatile on the table. And if you’re skeptical of Chardonnay, rest assured, this is tank fermented, with no trace of heavy oak or butter, just clean, bright fruit.
• Domaine de la Paroisse Chardonnay 2024 •
Made in Jean-Claude's signature naked style — stainless steel only, no oak, minimal intervention. Just pure, expressive fruit and that silky, saline richness that pulls you back sip after sip. Bright lemon zest, crisp orchard apple, a whisper of salinity on the finish. This is light on its feet, while generous in spirit.
Jean-Claude makes wine to remind us why it all matters. It's the least we can do to drink it while the sun is out. Keep on smiling,
Sébastien