About this WINE
Bret Bros.
Grandfather Bret bought this property in Vinzelles in 1947. In 2000 Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret took their vineyards out of the local co-operative and established their Domaine de la Soufrandière (see here for the wine selection from la Soufrandière) with 4 hectares of vines entirely in the appellation of Pouilly Vinzelles. They have also developed a negociant activity using the name Bret Brothers.
Previous experience between them includes stages at Ridge and Newton in California and Comte Lafon in Burgundy. Most of their vines are in a perfectly situated east facing slope of Vinzelles called Les Quarts, on Bajocian limestone with a high silica/quartz content.
The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2000, with biodynamic principles being progressively introduced. The grapes, both their own and those purchased, are picked in small containers, then whole bunch pressed in the tinailler (local Maconnais and Beaujolais word for cuverie) before descending by gravity to the barrel cellar. They are currently all taken out of barrel for bottling after 11 months.
Pouilly-Fuissé
Pouilly-Fuissé is the most distinguished wine appellation in the Mâconnais, making rich, full-bodied white Burgundy from Chardonnay in four communes: Chaintré, Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly and Vergisson. There is a move afoot to consider classifying individual vineyard sites.
Since arriving in the Mâconnais in 1987, Olivier and Corinne Merlin have become among the region’s most respected producers. After 10 years, they began buying Pouilly-Fuissé grapes, and now make three different cuvées each vintage.Pouilly-Fuissé should not be confused with Pouilly-Fumé or Pouilly-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley that produce wines from Sauvignon Blanc.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is often seen as the king of white wine grapes and one of the most widely planted in the world It is suited to a wide variety of soils, though it excels in soils with a high limestone content as found in Champagne, Chablis, and the Côte D`Or.
Burgundy is Chardonnay's spiritual home and the best White Burgundies are dry, rich, honeyed wines with marvellous poise, elegance and balance. They are unquestionably the finest dry white wines in the world. Chardonnay plays a crucial role in the Champagne blend, providing structure and finesse, and is the sole grape in Blanc de Blancs.
It is quantitatively important in California and Australia, is widely planted in Chile and South Africa, and is the second most widely planted grape in New Zealand. In warm climates Chardonnay has a tendency to develop very high sugar levels during the final stages of ripening and this can occur at the expense of acidity. Late picking is a common problem and can result in blowsy and flabby wines that lack structure and definition.
Recently in the New World, we have seen a move towards more elegant, better- balanced and less oak-driven Chardonnays, and this is to be welcomed.
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Description
Delve in detail into the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation with this mixed case from established producer Bret Bros. Each of these six bottles comes from a different part of the region, allowing you to experience the influence of terroir on the wine. A geological map and tasting notes from the winemakers are also included to help further your understanding.
Case Contents: 1 bottle each of:
2013 POUILLY-FUISSÉ, EN CAREMENTRANT
With the first impression being one of elegance and refinement, supported by a satisfying weight, this is a perfectly poised wine. Good acidity and freshness – mouth-watering notes of lemon and just-ripe pears – lend this wine excellent structure and ‘muscle’. Drink 2016-2020.
2013 POUILLY-FUISSÉ, LA ROCHE
La Roche’s inviting bouquet marries lush white peaches and a light scent of orange blossom while managing to retain a magical raciness. On the palate, it balances minerality and weight. Undoubtedly, the superb vineyard location shines through. Drink 2017-2021.
2013 POUILLY-FUISSÉ, TERRE DE VERGISSON
The only wine in this collection which comes from a blend of different vineyards, all within the commune of Vergisson, this is a lovely, linear expression of Pouilly-Fuissé. Vibrant and fresh, there is plenty of fruit on the nose, while the palate is poised, crisp and mineral-packed. Drink 2016-2020.
2013 POUILLY-FUISSÉ, LES CHEVRIERES
This small plot in the Chaintré commune is home to old vines, which produce only tiny grapes. Soft in style, with beautiful weight and excellent length, the wine’s fruit-filled ripeness belies the fact it was picked early. Drink 2016-2020.
2013 POUILLY-FUISSÉ, LES CRAYS
Bret’s Les Crays plot, with its prestigious site in the Vergisson commune, produces a very pure and classical rendition of Pouilly-Fuissé. Structure comes from a steely backbone, while the wine sings with vibrancy and energy which continues into a long, fine finish. Drink 2016-2021.
2013 POUILLY-FUISSÉ, LE CLOS REYSSIE
Sourced from a plot with the best location in the Clos Reyssie vineyard – east facing, at the top of the slope and on a vein of reddish limestone – this is a dense and well-balanced wine. Crisp, with notes of green apple, it also has good body and length. Drink 2016-2020.
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