2018 Domaine Vincey 'Chemin de Chalons' Grand Cru

The 2018 Domaine Vincey 'Chemin de Chalons' Grand Cru is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of Champagne's most revered Grand Cru villages, known for its chalk-driven mineral tension. This is still Champagne, fermented and aged in oak barrel for twelve months with indigenous yeasts, then bottled without filtration or fining — a small-grower expression that sits closer to white Burgundy than to sparkling wine in structure and intent. The fruit comes from the Chemin de Châlons parcel in Le Mesnil, where deep chalk subsoils shape every vintage. Domaine Vincey is run by Quentin and Marine Vincey, who farm eight hectares across Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Vertus with certified organic and Demeter biodynamic practices as of 2023. Quentin returned to his family domaine in 2014; Marine, who worked in communications and at several Champagne houses, joined in 2018. The heart of the estate is old selection massale parcels in Oger, and many of their biodynamic preparations are made at Château de Renneville, a seventeenth-century property in Villeneuve-Renneville that also serves as a meeting place for other biodynamic producers, including the De Sousa family in Avize. The winemaking here is minimal-intervention — the 2018 underwent malolactic fermentation, then aged on lees for thirty-six months before bottling. This Chardonnay shows the taut, saline character of Le Mesnil chalk — think oyster shell, white flowers, and citrus peel, with oak lending breadth rather than sweetness. The extended lees aging adds texture and complexity, making it a natural partner for roasted chicken, gruyère, or a plate of charcuterie. Drink it cool but not cold; the wine opens and gains weight as it warms in the glass. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.