Pouilly Vinzelles

This superb cuvée is made from a handful of parcels around Vinzelles – including vines in the appellation’s most prestigious vineyard, Les Quarts. In keeping with the Bret Bros’ “house style” it’s taut and mineral, with a sense of latent energy, and is bound to age well. It is aged for nine months in used oak.

A faint touch of reduction on the nose adds complexity here, while the palate has crisp pear notes and vibrant energy. There is just a touch of phenolic grip on the finish, extending its length. Drink 2020-2025.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer

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 Domaine de la Soufrandière with four hectares of vines in Pouilly-Vinzelles. They also have a négociant business, Bret Brothers. Their vines are, mostly, on a perfectly situated eastfacing slope of Vinzelles called Les Quarts, on Bajocian limestone with a high silica/quartz content. They are organic and biodynamic. The Bret brothers dub 2016 a “vigneron’s vintage”, which is to say that the key was to be in the vines. The hail on 13th April did significant damage but hard work in the vineyards (spraying biodynamic treatments from a backpack) paid off and ensured quality fruit. The Brets have added new vineyards in St Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé to the Soufrandière domaine, thus the whole range we buy is now from estate-grown fruit.

From vines aged over 80 years in the mid-slope sweet spot, the grapes were harvested at a concentrated 35hl/ha. Sparkling pale lemon in colour, this is very energetic with wonderful layered complexity and a lingering, mineral finish. Drink 2020-2026.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer

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 Domaine de la Soufrandière with four hectares of vines in Pouilly-Vinzelles. They also have a négociant business, Bret Brothers. Their vines are, mostly, on a perfectly situated eastfacing slope of Vinzelles called Les Quarts, on Bajocian limestone with a high silica/quartz content. They are organic and biodynamic. The Bret brothers dub 2016 a “vigneron’s vintage”, which is to say that the key was to be in the vines. The hail on 13th April did significant damage but hard work in the vineyards (spraying biodynamic treatments from a backpack) paid off and ensured quality fruit. The Brets have added new vineyards in St Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé to the Soufrandière domaine, thus the whole range we buy is now from estate-grown fruit.

This is the special cuvée from a few rows of vines which produce tiny, ultra-concentrated grapes. A very classy and intense nose offers notes of reduction, while there is incredible density on the palate. Full-bodied and powerful, but with sizzling minerality. Bottled for us exclusively in magnum. Drink 2021-2030.
Adam Bruntlett, Burgundy Buyer

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 Domaine de la Soufrandière with four hectares of vines in Pouilly-Vinzelles. They also have a négociant business, Bret Brothers. Their vines are, mostly, on a perfectly situated eastfacing slope of Vinzelles called Les Quarts, on Bajocian limestone with a high silica/quartz content. They are organic and biodynamic. The Bret brothers dub 2016 a “vigneron’s vintage”, which is to say that the key was to be in the vines. The hail on 13th April did significant damage but hard work in the vineyards (spraying biodynamic treatments from a backpack) paid off and ensured quality fruit. The Brets have added new vineyards in St Véran and Pouilly-Fuissé to the Soufrandière domaine, thus the whole range we buy is now from estate-grown fruit.

One of Burgundy’s most iconic white wines, this 2009 vintage of Domaine de la Soufrandière’s flagship Pouilly-Vinzelles has a pure, fine and well-chiselled bouquet. The palate is multi-layered, poised and classic with just a trace of tannin helping to define the structure. This is a very impressive wine.

Selected from the best sectors of Les Quarts this has a very backward nose with some spice and excellent weight. Impressive, steely and chiselled on the palate with fabulous concentration. Perfect balance, huge energy and a magnificent finish. Grand vin! 
Jasper Morris, MW - Wine Buyer

Overall a low but not catastrophic 30 hectolitres per hectare for their own vineyards. The Domaine de la Soufrandière wines (the three from Pouilly-Vinzelles) were all picked between 27th and 29th September, clearly a great decision as these are some of the most sublime wines they have made, with a thrilling mineral precision coupled to the natural weight of the vintage.