Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Quarts” Zen AOC 2020

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

Colour & Appearance

A luminous shine in the glass: pale golden yellow.

Nose

Aromatically, the Cuvée Zen operates within a cool, remarkably fresh spectrum. Bright citrus notes meet mineral nuances of pencil shavings and damp stone. Behind these, delicate nuances of herbs, a touch of lemon verbena, a hint of celery stick as well as a trace of light tobacco reveal themselves, lending the aromatic profile an almost aristocratic composure.

Palate

On the palate, this Chardonnay proves punchy and supported by a taut, wiry acidity. Despite full malolactic fermentation and a moderately warm vintage, the wine preserves an electrifying dynamism and invigorating freshness. Juicy fruitiness goes hand in hand with a silky texture, resulting from 17 months of aging on the lees. The minimal use of sulphur lends the palate an immensely open, natural balance.

Terroir & Origin

The south-east-facing premier site Les Quarts is considered the flagship vineyard of Pouilly-Vinzelles. Here, vines up to 80 years old root in iron- and pebble-rich clay-limestone soils from the Jurassic period (Bajocian) – a foundation that gives these white wines their remarkable longevity and cool minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested at the end of August. Brothers Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret opted for whole-bunch pressing and spontaneous fermentation. The 17-month maturation period initially took place for eleven months in classic Burgundian pièces, followed by aging in large oak foudres with full malolactic fermentation. Bottled with a minimal sulphur addition of just 20 mg/l.

Food Pairings

Outstanding with refined seafood dishes such as razor clam ceviche with Ají Limo and trout caviar. Equally splendid with vegetarian creations like Nori Maki Yasai with mizuna salad or crispy fried tofu with dashi and ginger.

Particularities

The domaine works strictly biodynamically under Demeter certification. The “Zen” project stands for minimal cellar intervention and exceptionally low sulphur usage, granting this Chardonnay a fascinating, unadulterated terroir tension.