Vézelay

Vézelay is a small but special appellation known for its fresh and expressive wines. The village itself is world-famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed basilica. But also for its ancient role as a place of pilgrimage. From the impressive Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, one of the main French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain departs.

For wine lovers, the surrounding vineyard is especially worth discovering. Wine has been produced in Vézelay for centuries, but only since 2017 has it been a village appellation. A small one at that, of which some 80 hectares are now planted. Only white wine is made, made from Chardonnay, of course. The appellation is young and therefore offers more space to young winemakers. Some more experimentation is possible, as the plots are still affordable. Moreover, there is room to grow, as the total demarcated area is about 250 hectares.

Vézelay’s vineyards lie on both sides of the river Cure. The presence of vines in Vézelay dates back to Gallo-Roman times. At its peak in the 18th century, the vineyards covered 500 hectares. But the arrival of phylloxera in 1884 almost eradicated viticulture. In 1973, viticulture in Vézelay was restarted by a number of volunteer winemakers. The area is now experiencing its renaissance. The vineyards face south-southeast at an altitude between 190 and 330 metres. The subsoil consists of marl and limestone. A great breeding ground for Chardonnay. It produces supple, light golden yellow wines with characteristic minerality. Wines that are still affordable and therefore growing in popularity.