Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Quarts” Zen AOC 2021

The Les Quarts vineyard is undoubtedly one of the best terroirs in the Pouilly-Vinzelles appellation. The fantastically situated vineyard faces east and has 48 to 80-year-old Chardonnay vines on siliceous and above all ferruginous clay and Jurassic limestone soil. Of the 52 hectares of the site, two hectares belong to the Bret brothers, who work 1.5 hectares of it by horse. The hillside site has been biodynamically certified since 2006. The grapes were harvested by hand from 18 to 23 September. This was followed by whole bunch pressing and then spontaneous fermentation. The Chardonnay was then matured for 17 months, first in used barrels and then, after the assemblage, in neutral cuves. A 100-% malolactic fermentation took place. The wine was only lightly sulphurised before bottling. The total sulphur is 29 mg/l. The wine has a pH value of 3.22.

light golden yellow

The 2021s Les Quarts is an exciting Burgundy, which achieves a balance between yellow-fleshed richness and a cool nervousness, bright citrus aromatics and a fine rock spiciness. The fruit is accompanied by some camomile, almond blossom and some pencil abrasion.

On the palate, the Chardonnay shows impressive rock and herbal spice in the juicy fruit, which is dominated by citrus aromas and yellow as well as green plums. Undisguised, the citric acidity typical of 2021 provides pressure and a slight, pleasant sharpness, with notes of lemon peel adding a zesty astringency. The way the work is done in the vineyard and during fermentation brings the salty, palatable component to the fore in this wine, especially in the finish. Drinkability is guaranteed here.