Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Longeays” AOC 2020

Wine Description for Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Longeays” AOC 2020 by La Soufrandière

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with vibrant reflections – a Chardonnay that announces its freshness already in the glass.

Nose

Brilliant and precise: limes and lemon zest dominate the aromatic spectrum, accompanied by gorse, a hint of jasmine and verbena. These are joined by green pears and unripe plums, whilst a pronounced chalky note underscores the mineral signature of the terroir.

Palate

Here Les Longeays reveals its true greatness: the wine builds impressive pressure, feels cooler and tauter than in previous vintages. Ripe and unripe almonds meet the citric fruit, whilst the vibrant acidity is perfectly integrated. The 17-month ageing on lees lends the wine smoothness and elegance, without diminishing its tension. A hint of rock salt and fine tannins on the finish make this an exemplary textural wine.

Finish

Long, mineral and precise with persistent citrus freshness and a fine saline note that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The Climat Les Longeays sits at 210 metres elevation with a south-south-east aspect, directly adjacent to the renowned Les Quarts. The 0.54 hectares comprise 38-year-old Chardonnay vines on iron-rich clay and limestone soil from the Bajocian (Jurassic period). This geological constellation provides the foundation for balanced, long-lived wines with pronounced minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested on 25 August 2020. Whole-bunch pressing and spontaneous fermentation, followed by 17 months of ageing – initially eleven months in Pièces, then in larger casks. Complete malolactic fermentation, minimal sulphur addition (50 mg/l). The Bret brothers of La Soufrandière work with the greatest care and respect for the terroir.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with lemon chicken in kaffir lime and coconut cream, pear and ricotta ravioli with brown butter and cream sauce or pumpkin lasagne. The acidity structure and minerality also harmonise beautifully with shellfish and aged goat’s cheese.

Special Features

A prime example of the underrated Pouilly-Vinzelles appellation. The 2020 vintage shows itself cooler and more structured than its predecessors – a wine with excellent ageing potential and impressive texture.