Domaine de Pouilly, located in Solutré-Pouilly at the heart of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation in southern Burgundy, encompasses approximately 20 hectares over many plots. Managed by brothers Vincent and Pierre-Antoine Besson, the Domaine’s history spans a legacy of five generations of winemaking, starting with their Grandfather Pétrus in 1933. Vincent did his first solo vintage in 1999 before being joined by his brother, marking a new chapter in the Domaine’s history.
Many of the vineyards are at least 50 years old, including some of the very oldest in Pouilly, but also covering the neighbouring appellations of Macon, Saint Veran, and Beaujolais. Most are a terroir of clay-limestone, and the brothers are exponents of sustainability and minimum intervention.
Their impressive ancestral cellars are exactly how you imagine a Burgundy cellar to be, with refinement taking part in a variety of different oak barrels and vats, depending on the vintage, appellation and terroir. Vincent and Pierre-Antoine personally oversee every aspect of production, from vine care to marketing, ensuring their wines reflect their artisanal craftsmanship and deep-rooted expertise.
The wines are consistently rich, complex, and opulent, underpinned by a freshness and drinkability that reflect the unique terroir, microclimate, and vinification methods of each vineyard. Given their quality, the wines consistently over-deliver considering their price, especially when compared to their cousins a bit further north on the Côte d’Or.
Domaine de Pouilly Pouilly-Fuissé 2022 AOP
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 13.5%
Vineyards:
Sourced from clay-limestone soils in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, this vineyard benefits from an ideal microclimate for Chardonnay, producing wines with balance and depth. Sustainable vineyard practices are followed, with a focus on natural cultivation methods and minimal intervention.
Winemaking:
The grapes are pressed in a pneumatic press, followed by a 12-hour settling at 18°C to allow natural sedimentation. Fermentation takes place primarily in stainless steel tanks, with a portion in oak barrels for added complexity. The wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation and is aged in oak casks for 9 months.
Appearance:
Gold colour with a green tinge.
Nose:
Starts to develop complexity, with notes of honey and a subtle citrus touch.
Palate:
The wine opens with a silky, rounded mouthfeel, delivering a well-balanced expression of ripe citrus and almond flavours. The mineral undertones add a refreshing complexity, while the slight citrus finish brightens the palate, contributing finesse and elegance. The wine’s vibrant acidity provides structure and lift, leading to a long, smooth finish with subtle notes of honey and buttery oak emerging as it evolves. Ready to drink now, but with the potential to develop further depth over time.
Food Pairing:
Pairs well with seafood, poultry dishes, and light cheeses.
Serving Suggestions:
Best served between 11-13°C to fully appreciate its complexity and balance.
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