Pouilly-Fuissé Climat 1er Cru “Au Vignerais” AOC 2021

The Bret brothers own 0.49 hectares in Climat Au Vignerais in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. The vineyard is located on the southern slope of the Roche de Solutré at an altitude of 310 metres and has 35-year-old Chardonnay vines on ferruginous red clay and limestone soil from the Bajocium . Hand-harvested on 21 September 2021, whole cluster pressing and spontaneous fermentation, followed by ageing for 17 months in seven to 18 year old barrels with 100-%iger malolactic fermentation. No fining, no filtration. The pH is 3.27, total sulphur is 58 mg/l depending on the barrel. In 2021, the winery lost 50 % of the harvest to late frosts and hail.

Medium straw to golden yellow with light green reflections

The 2021he Pouilly-Fuissé Au Vignerais already appears sensual in its fragrance, but also still a little shy. It needs air and time for the notes of salt lemon and lemon zest, iodine and wax, fennel seed and crunchy stone fruit to unfold.

On the palate, the wine lives up to its excellent reputation. Even though the Bret brothers lost 50 % of the potential harvest because of the weather, the remaining 50 % have shaped an elegant, finesse-rich and sensual wine. The intensity of the fresh as well as creamy lemon notes is as appetising here as the chalky and iodine notes. In 2021, the wine is particularly clear and bright-toned with an exciting acidic arc. The longer the wine remains on the palate, the saltier and punchier it becomes. In addition to the saltiness, the minerality also proves to be more and more pressing and vibrant - until the long, juicy finish. This is definitely cru quality.