Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Quarts” AOC 2020 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Quarts” AOC 2020 1500ml Magnum by La Soufrandière

Colour & Appearance

A bright, radiant gold-yellow in the glass.

Nose

For a southern Burgundy, the 2020 vintage presents itself as remarkably cool, bright and razor-sharp. The aromatic play opens with white flowers, fine pencil shavings, graphite and subtle oak notes. In between, herbal nuances of oregano and lemon verbena flash through, underpinned by blanched almonds as well as juicy yellow and green citrus fruits. An exceedingly clear, focused bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals the characteristic power of the Les Quarts site, paired with a gripping, intensely linear acidity. Fine tannin and a subtle fleshiness structure the body. Despite the complete malolactic fermentation, a citrusy, pleasantly tart energy dominates, perfectly interwoven with the silky texture from long lees ageing. Tension-filled, deep and textural.

Terroir & Origin

The south-east facing top vineyard Les Quarts is considered the prized jewel of Pouilly-Vinzelles. The 48 to 80-year-old Chardonnay vines root deeply in iron- and pebble-rich clay and limestone soils from the Bajocian stage. The brothers Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret farm their vineyards in Vinzelles strictly biodynamically (Demeter-certified) and work parts of the soil using horses.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Single-varietal Chardonnay, harvested by hand at the end of August. After whole-bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation takes place with wild yeasts. Ageing extends over 17 months – initially eleven months in used pièces, followed by larger wooden casks (fudres). The wine is bottled unfiltered with only minimal sulphur added (40 mg/l added).

Food Pairings

Excellent with monkfish cheek ceviche with leche de tigre, yuzu and celery, creamy fennel risotto with smoked eel or a fresh salad with grapefruit, burrata, lemon-ginger oil and coriander seeds.

Particularities

In the impressive 1500ml Magnum bottle, this monumental biodynamic white wine possesses enormous ageing potential. The masterful balance of taut acidity, fine texture and mineral grip makes it a prime example of uncompromising natural winemaking in the Mâconnais.