Famous for his role in the creation of the AOC Viré Classé in the Burgundy subzone of Maisonnais, André Bonhomme founded his estate in 1956 with 4 hectares of vineyards, which over the years have expanded to 12. Today the company is managed by his descendants.
The Chardonnay grapes come from the Les MeÌnards plot in the village of Viré. Here, the vines, over eighty years old and planted on a steep slope, enjoy an east/southeast exposure and red clay soil on a limestone substrate. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in oak barrels and the finished wine ages for 24 months before bottling.
Vire-Clease Les Hauts des Menards is an elegant and characterful wine ready to drink now, that also reveals good aging potential. In the glass, it displays a golden color with greenish hues. Its aromatic profile is generous and powerful with notes of ripe yellow fruit, acacia and hawthorn flowers, followed by toasted and caramel notes. On the palate, it is dense and soft, juicy and concentrated with a strong mineral vein and a long, slightly spicy finish. In food pairings it is very versatile: it goes well with shellfish, poultry, and veal.