POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2020

Production area

Grapes for this village appellation from the Mâconnais are harvested in 4 villages (Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson and Chaintré). The vineyards cover a surface area of 766 hectares and are planted exclusively with white grapes.

Origins

Pouilly-Fuissé grapes are grown on a unique site formed by the Vergisson and Solutré rocks where the soil is mainly clay-limestone based. Actually, 15 different types of soils have been identified, each one bringing its own specifities from different eras.It finally results in very different types of layouts and exposures; as a consequence, the wines are very subtle with a very wide range of aromas.

Varietal

100% Chardonnay

Tasting notes

COLOUR: Medium gold with green highlights. Brilliant and clear.
NOSE: Lively and aromatic.
PALATE: Predominant notes of white fruit and spices, underpinned by a subtle touch of oak and vanilla. Mineral on the palate with a good balance between acidity and roundness. Lovely length.

Vinification and maturing

Vinification takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks and is followed by a 12-months ageing period.
The ageing is operated partially in barrels with a proportion of 20% new oak that will bring more texture to the wine. The rest will age in stainless steel tanks in order to enhance the freshness and minerality of the wine.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal with shellfish, crayfish, veal or poultry in cream sauce, exotic dishes and goat cheeses.

Serving suggestions

Ideally serve bertween 11 and 13°C

Ageing potential

This wine can be drunk as an apertif in its youth to enjoy its minerality. But it also has a great ageing potential and will reveal a pleasant honey-hazelnut side through 5 to 8 years.

Vintage : 2020

2020 was notable for its mildness and low rainfall.
After a winter with no serious frosts, we went straight into a spring dominated by sunny, dry weather, resulting in very early bud break. Infrequent outbreaks of rain in June and July were not enough to stave off water shortages. Very high summer temperatures combined with intense sun exposure levels led to the vines gradually falling prey to hydric stress, causing delays to fruit ripening before harvest-time.
Once again, the vegetative cycle was shortened, being almost three weeks ahead of 2019’s. Thankfully, the harvest was saved by the relative cool of the nights. The harvest was of marvellous quality but there was very little juice in the red grapes (reduction of 30 to 50%), and reasonable potential alcohol, despite the heat. The whites, on the other hand, coped very well with these extreme conditions and yields were very good.
A very promising year for the whites with a fine balance between acidity and alcohol and intense white fruit aromas.

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