Maison Valette

Maison Valette

Maison Valette is the story of Cécile and Philippe Valette, a couple devoted to crafting exceptional Chardonnay in Burgundy. Philippe, a third-generation winemaker, took over part of his father Gérard’s vineyards in Mâcon-Chaintré, Pouilly-Fuissé, and Pouilly-Vinzelles, embracing a traditional, natural approach to viticulture.

In 1992, Philippe left the cooperative cellar, rejecting chemical treatments in favor of organic farming before it became widely recognized. Over time, Maison Valette moved toward minimal intervention, gradually reducing sulfur use until eliminating it completely in 2000—a bold decision requiring confidence in both the grapes and the process.

Pure Expressions of Terroir

Domaine Valette spans 15 hectares, practicing organic and biodynamic farming without certification. Their wines, aged extensively—some for over three years—develop exceptional complexity, setting them apart from many natural wine producers. From the approachable Mâcon-Village to the remarkable Clos de Monsieur Noly, their wines are sought after by collectors yet remain reasonably priced compared to Burgundy’s top crus.

 

Where to Find Maison Valette Wines

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Maison Valette" or "Domaine Valette" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices. Given their cult status and limited production, availability can be sporadic.
RAW Wine (Producer Profile & Online Marketplace) Maison Valette is a featured producer on RAW Wine. Their profile often links to online retailers and distributors who are part of the RAW Wine network.
Vinaturel (Online, Germany & Europe) A prominent German online retailer specializing in natural wines, with a good selection of Maison Valette's distinct Chardonnay bottlings.
Mes Bourgognes (Online, France & Europe) A French online retailer specializing in Burgundy wines, including a dedicated section for Maison Valette, often featuring their unique multi-vintage blends.
Decántalo (Online, Spain & International Shipping) A large Spanish online wine shop that often carries Valette wines, including their Mâcon-Villages and Pouilly-Fuissé.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)

  • **France (Burgundy & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Maison Valette is located in Chaintré, Mâconnais. Direct contact for cellar door visits or local purchases may be possible, though their production is highly allocated.
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes):** Look for natural wine shops and high-end Burgundy retailers throughout France, especially in Paris, Lyon, and within the Burgundy region itself.
  • **United States:**
    • **Zev Rovine Selections (US Importer):** A key importer of Maison Valette wines into the US, particularly for East Coast distribution. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers working with ZRS.
    • **Cream Wine Company (US Importer):** Another prominent importer for Maison Valette in certain US markets.
    • **Chambers Street Wines (NYC):** A renowned wine shop in New York City with an excellent natural wine selection that consistently stocks Maison Valette.
    • **Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NYC):** Another leading retailer in New York City known for its curated selection, often including Valette.
    • **Domaine LA (Los Angeles, CA):** A respected natural wine shop in Los Angeles that features Valette's wines.
    • *Contact independent, cutting-edge wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin) that specialize in natural wines or unique Burgundy expressions. Availability is often limited due to high demand and long aging.*
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer & Online Store):** A major importer of natural wines into the UK, often a primary source for Maison Valette.
    • **Oranj (Online, UK Retailer):** A prominent UK online natural wine shop that frequently features Maison Valette.
    • **Highbury Library (UK Retailer):** A London-based natural wine specialist that has carried Valette wines.
    • *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in London and other major UK cities who champion natural and Burgundian wines.*
  • **Germany:**
    • **Vinaturel (Online, Germany):** As mentioned, a strong online source for Valette in Germany.
    • **Weinhandlung Suff (Berlin):** A well-known natural wine shop in Berlin that has carried Maison Valette.
    • *Look for specialized wine shops ("Weinhandlungen") in German cities with a focus on natural French wines.*
  • **Canada:**
    • **Context Wines (Ontario, Canada Importer):** A dedicated natural wine importer for Ontario that works with Maison Valette.
    • *Check with specialized private wine shops (where permitted) or provincial liquor boards/agencies (e.g., SAQ in Quebec, LCBO in Ontario for Vintages releases) that focus on natural wines in major Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).*
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
    • *Maison Valette's wines are highly sought after by top restaurants and natural wine enthusiasts globally. Look for importers specializing in natural Burgundian wines in these key Asian markets.*

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemakers:** Philippe Valette (with Cécile and Baptiste Valette).
**Location:** Chaintré, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France.
**Philosophy: Rigorous Organic/Biodynamic Viticulture & Extreme Non-Interventionist Winemaking:** Family has farmed for generations; Philippe initiated organic farming in 1990 and biodynamic practices in 1992. Vineyards are treated with utmost respect to promote microbial life and deep root systems. In the cellar: Hand-harvested grapes, gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. Wines are unfined, unfiltered, and made with extremely low to no added sulfur. A defining characteristic is **very long aging on lees** (from 2 to 8 years or more) in old oak barrels, concrete, or stainless steel. They often blend multiple vintages to achieve desired balance and complexity.
**Vineyards:** Approximately 10-15 hectares of Chardonnay vines in Chaintré, Vinzelles, and Pouilly-Fuissé. Many old vines, some planted in 1947. Soils are varied, including clay-limestone.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Exclusively Chardonnay.
**Signature Wines (Examples):**
  • **Mâcon-Villages (often multi-vintage, e.g., 20/21/22/23):** Their entry-level white, a blend of multiple vintages, designed for freshness and early enjoyment.
  • **Mâcon-Chaintré Vieilles Vignes (often multi-vintage, e.g., 18/22/23):** From older vines in Chaintré, offering more depth and complexity.
  • **Pouilly-Fuissé (often multi-vintage, e.g., 19/20/21):** A more serious expression from the prestigious Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, showcasing incredible mineral tension and aging potential.
  • **Viré-Clessé "Et Pourtant..." (often multi-vintage, e.g., 18/20/22/23):** Another Mâconnais appellation, known for its richness and texture.
  • **Pouilly-Fuissé "Le Clos de Monsieur Noly":** A mythical single-vineyard Pouilly-Fuissé, aged for exceptionally long periods (sometimes 7+ years) on lees, known for its profound complexity and ability to rival Côte de Beaune Grand Crus.
  • **Pouilly-Vinzelles "Le Clos Reyssié":** Another esteemed single-vineyard bottling from the Pouilly-Vinzelles appellation.
  • **"MesdemoiZelles":** A unique, often experimental, expression of Chardonnay.
Wines are classified under Mâcon-Villages AOC, Pouilly-Fuissé AOC, Viré-Clessé AOC, Pouilly-Vinzelles AOC, or Vin de France (for multi-vintage blends or specific experimental bottlings that fall outside strict AOC rules).
**Production:** Artisanal, highly limited, and in extremely high demand globally due to long aging periods and uncompromising quality.
**Style:** Pure, concentrated, intensely mineral, and remarkably age-worthy Chardonnay wines that offer profound complexity and a unique expression of Mâconnais terroir. They require patience and often benefit from decanting.