Chateau les Croisille Chardonnay 2023
We have 6 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Perched atop the limestone plateau of Luzech in southwest France, Château les Croisille draws its identity from the Kimmeridgian soils—an ancient mix of clay and limestone marked with marine fossils and rich in mineral tension. These windswept terraces, particularly the stony third terrace, offer low-yielding but intensely expressive fruit. The Chardonnay vines, now entering their prime, are rooted in a terroir that brings precision and nerve to the glass. Farming here is not just organic but biodynamic, guided by the rhythms of the land and cosmos—a holistic approach that coaxes out purity and place with every vintage.
The Wine
This 2023 Chardonnay is a study in quiet elegance and unforced character. Hand-harvested and gently pressed, the juice undergoes native yeast fermentation in large neutral oak (foudres and demi-muids), allowing the fruit to speak without distraction. Malolactic conversion adds a gentle creaminess, while five months of aging in foudre build texture without overt oak influence. The result is a wine of fine mineral clarity—fresh lemon zest and white peach up front, followed by a chalky mineral finish. There’s lift, but also depth; brightness, but also quiet confidence.
The People
The Croisille story begins in 1979, when Cecile and Bernard left city life behind to revive the untamed lands of the Causses. From this humble beginning grew an ambitious estate, now shaped by the next generation. Germain, their son, returned in 2008, bringing with him a new ethos—organic farming, deeper terroir expression, and a collaborative spirit. Childhood friend Nicolas joined in 2012, and Simon, the youngest, followed in 2015. Together, this trio has redefined what Cahors can be, expanding their focus beyond Malbec to craft wines like this Chardonnay—pure, expressive, and deeply tied to the land that raised them.
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Chardonnay, one of the world's most versatile and beloved white grape varieties, showcases a remarkable spectrum of styles, from the lean, mineral-driven expressions of Chablis in France to the rich, buttery, and oak-aged versions from California's Napa Valley. Its adaptability extends to cooler climates such as Burgundy, where it achieves elegance and complexity, and to regions like Australia's Yarra Valley, known for producing vibrant and fruit-forward renditions. This grape's ability to reflect its terroir, coupled with winemaking techniques, results in a wide array of profiles, including unoaked, crisp varieties with apple and citrus notes, to full-bodied wines with tropical fruit flavors and creamy textures.
Chardonnay
Certified Biodynamic vineyard farming is a holistic approach building upon organic principles, viewing the vineyard as a self-contained ecosystem influenced by cosmic rhythms. Based on Rudolf Steiner's teachings, it integrates precise agricultural methods with lunar and astrological calendars, using natural preparations from herbs, minerals, and manure to enhance soil and plant health. Certification by organizations like Demeter International requires rigorous inspections to ensure strict compliance. Biodynamic farming seeks not only high-quality wines but also ecological harmony, sustainability, and deeper connections among land, plants, animals, and humans.
