At a glance

Producer

Domaine Talmard

Region

Mâcon-Villages, Bourgogne, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$16-$22

Tasting profile

Likely to show faded citrus and apple fruit with hints of hazelnut, almond, and possible honeyed tones. Minerality remains but overt freshness may have waned. Potential for mild oxidative/sherry-like notes.

Evolution: Primary fruit (apple, melon, floral) would have diminished over time; more tertiary notes (nuts, hay, honeysuckle, toast) dominate in mature examples.

At peak: At peak, this wine showed crisp acidity, lively orchard fruit, subtle stone, and white floral nuances with a vibrant, refreshing finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high (fresh, crisp)

Tannins

None

Alcohol

12-13% ABV (typical for Mâconnais Chardonnay)

Aging potential

Short to moderate (usually up to 3-5 years from vintage, rarely over 6-7 years even when well cellared)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2016 to 2017

Optimal window

2015 to 2018

Current status

Approaching/at end of prime. Drink soon.

Current condition

Expected to be past its peak freshness but can still display subtle tertiary complexity if well stored. Risk of oxidation, fading fruit, and muted aromatics increases past 2020.

Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay from reputable producers like Domaine Talmard is prized for its freshness and purity of fruit rather than long-term aging. 2014 was a classic, balanced vintage but this is a modestly priced white meant for youthful consumption, with most bottles showing best within 3-5 years from release. By 2024, remaining bottles are at or past their optimal window unless exceptionally stored.

Food pairing

Cold shellfish (oysters, shrimp), grilled white fish, goat cheese (e.g. chèvre), simple roast chicken, salads with citrus vinaigrette, or sushi. For mature bottles, try with mild cheeses, poached poultry, or subtle creamy pasta dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Domaine Talmard has a long-standing focus on minimal intervention, restricts synthetic inputs, uses integrated pest management, and emphasizes soil health. Vineyards are managed with respect for local biodiversity and manual harvesting is common.

Domaine Talmard is recognized for traditional and environmentally conscious viticulture but is not formally certified organic or biodynamic. Practices include limited use of chemical treatments, encouragement of natural flora/fauna, careful water management, and low-intervention winemaking. No extensive use of renewable energy on record. Overall, this positions them above average in sustainability for the region, but lack of third-party certification and global transport keep their score moderate (6/10).