Pouilly Vinzelles

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.

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.

Fine and clear with yellow-green tints, a faint touch of reduction adds to the complexity, the bouquet combining both light pear aromatics and some more citrus notes. Very perfumed. The palate offers excellent fruit-acid balance and impressive persistence. This is singing! Drink 2018-2022.
Jasper Morris MW - Wine Buyer

The Bret Brothers began picking in August, the grapes being sugar ripe yet still retaining some acidity. They had finished by 7th September. These days the grapes are crushed before pressing, a technique which has sadly died out at most domaines, but adds texture and enhances the stability of the wines. The three Pouilly-Vinzelles wines are part of the Brets’ own Domaine de la Soufrandière, farmed biodynamically since they returned to the property in 2000.