Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat "Les Quarts" Cuvée Millerandée AOC 2022 1500ml Magnum

A Chardonnay of cool tension and dense substance. "Cuvée Millerandée" refers to millerandage: small berries with a high skin-to-juice ratio that give the wine concentration without weighing it down. Lemon zest, white peach and damp limestone define its profile.

The "Les Quarts" climat lies in Pouilly-Vinzelles, in the southern Mâconnais. Limestone soils with clay and loam inclusions shape Chardonnays of freshness and substantial depth here. La Soufrandière dates back to 1947, when Jules Bret acquired one hectare in the Clos de Grand-Père; since 2000 the estate has been run by his grandsons Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret, joined by Marc-Antoine in 2010. Twelve hectares are spread across Pouilly-Vinzelles, Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran, with some vines over 80 years old.

Chardonnay, fermented spontaneously with its own yeasts and aged in used oak barrels of various sizes. The extended lees ageing lends texture without masking the fruit; bottled unfiltered with only minimal sulphur added. 13.5% ABV, dry.

Dry and taut, with lively acidity and a fine lees texture. Green apple and white blossom, along with a hint of toasted hazelnut and a long, saline finish.

With poached fish in beurre blanc, scallops or sole in butter; equally good with poultry in morel cream sauce, mushroom risotto or roasted cauliflower. Also pairs well with aged Comté.

Organic-certified by Ecocert since 2003, Demeter-certified since 2006; the Demeter logo appears on the label. Cow-manure and quartz preparations are part of the vineyard work, and some parcels are ploughed with horses. The 1500 ml magnum format allows the wine to age more slowly.