Wines Saint-Véran Fortnum & Mason - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Fortnum & Mason’s 2021 Saint-Véran is a wonderful expression of Chardonnay from the Mâconnais, the southernmost part of Burgundy. This white wine, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, benefits from the region's characteristic limestone and clay soils, which bring both a vibrant freshness and subtle minerality to the wine. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a cool, challenging growing season, produced wines of great finesse, with precision and a lively acidity that lifts the ripe orchard fruit profile. Typically, vinification for Saint-Véran involves fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness, with some producers opting for a touch of oak to give additional texture and complexity. Fortnum & Mason’s rendition leans towards elegance and clarity, offering notes of white peach, green apple, hints of citrus blossom, and a clean, mineral-driven finish.

The Mâconnais region is renowned for its gentle rolling hills, abundant sunshine, and relatively warm climate compared to northern Burgundy, allowing for fuller fruit expression in its white wines. The soils are mainly composed of limestone and clay, lending a crystalline minerality to Saint-Véran wines. With a history dating back to Roman times, viticulture in this part of Burgundy reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, and Saint-Véran, established as an appellation in 1971, has quickly gained a reputation for exceptional, accessible Chardonnays that offer superb value.

This elegant Saint-Véran pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its lively acidity and medium body make it a lovely match for classic Burgundian fare like jambon persillé, as well as richer seafood such as scallops or grilled sea bass. It will enhance chicken in a cream and tarragon sauce, goats’ cheese salads, or even a delicate mushroom risotto. For the adventurous, try it with a dish of escargots in garlic butter to echo the wine’s subtle hints of mineral and citrus.

For the best tasting experience, serve this Saint-Véran chilled but not too cold—between 10-12°C—to allow its delicate aromas and nuanced palate to fully express themselves. Enjoy it within the next three to five years to capture both its youthful vibrancy and developing complexity.