Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat „Les Quarts“ Zen AOC 2020

Wine Description for Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat „Les Quarts“ Zen AOC 2020 by La Soufrandière

Colour & Appearance

Pale golden yellow in the glass, clear and luminous – a visual promise of Burgundian elegance.

Nose

The Zen cuvée presents itself aromatically cooler and more restrained than its classic counterpart. Citrus notes combine with pencil shavings, damp stone and fresh herbs. The aromatics tend towards green rather than orange: celery, verbena and a hint of tobacco lend the bouquet a mineral, almost ascetic precision. A wine that takes its time.

Palate

Here the true nature of this extraordinary Chardonnay reveals itself: remarkably forceful and almost wiry in its acidity structure, which provides an electrifying thrust. Remarkable that this tension is retained despite complete malolactic fermentation – a testament to the terroir and the 2020 vintage. The fruit shows itself juicy and concentrated, whilst fine silkiness bears witness to the long ageing on lees. The minimal sulphur addition (20 mg/l) allows the wine to appear open and lively, without sacrificing structure.

Finish

Long, mineral and with vibrant freshness – the acidity carries far without being intrusive.

Terroir & Origin

Les Quarts ranks among the top vineyard sites of Pouilly-Vinzelles. The south-east facing vineyard with its 48 to 80 year old vines stands on iron-rich clay-limestone soil from the Bajocian. This geological formation gives the wines their characteristic minerality and longevity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested on 24th/25th August 2020. Whole bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation, followed by 17 months of maturation – initially eleven months in Pièces, subsequently in Fuders. Complete malolactic fermentation, minimally sulphited.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The mineral precision harmonises perfectly with razor clam ceviche with Ají Limo and trout roe, Nori Maki Yasai with mizuna salad or fresh fried tofu with dashi and ginger. Generally ideal with fine seafood and Japanese-inspired cuisine.

Special Features

The „Zen“ philosophy manifests itself in minimalist intervention and maximal terroir expression – a wine of remarkable tension and precision.