Chateau Pouilly French Chardonnay at a Refreshing Price Chateau Pouilly lies in the heart of the Pouilly-Fuisse AOC region, about an hour and a half by car south of the Cote d’Or. This history of wine making in the area is thought to pre-date the Romans with documents from the 10th century confirming a burgeoning business a thousand years ago! The Chateau Pouilly was built in 1551 and for centuries has stood a proud ambassador of this white wine made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape. Perched atop Mount Pouilly and surrounded by its own vineyards, the Château and its seventh generation of proprietors have kept watch over the land and the vines, respecting ancestral traditions. The wines come from seven hectares of vines located on the calcareous clay of the hillside. They are made in the small winery underneath the chateau. It is certainly not a large concern so the owners are very hands on. I tasted at the Chateau in February 2011 with a view to finding a cheap, fresh and interesting alternative to the whites of the Cote d’Or. Chateau Pouilly typically makes two wines each year; Cuvee 1551, named after the year the chateau was constructed; and a Reserve wine which is matured with some new oak. The Chateau is unusual in that it holds back its wine for release until it feels they have entered their drinking window. At the time of my visit the 2004 and 2006 vintages were the current releases. 2007 was just available by a matter of days. Due to its proximity to the Cote d’Or, the vintages follow a similar pattern to their northern brothers. My preference was for the Cuvee 1551 wines which were fresh and vibrant. And that is what I have decided to import. The style of the wine is somewhere between Chablis and Chassagne-Montrachet with citrus and minerals, no oak impact and a richer mouth feel than you get with Chablis. If you are sick of over worked, clumsily oaked new world wines, but not too partial to the sharp, stony tang of Chablis, I think you will find these attractively priced Chardonnays to your liking. The wines are ready to ship and will be in Australia before the middle of the year.
2007 Pouilly-Fuisse “Cuvee 1551” Usual Price $49.95 Pre-Arrival Price $42.50 Bright, fresh and clean. The 2007 has white flowers, pear and citrus with some spice backing. There is attractive minerality leading to a fine acid finish. Could easily be confused with a 2007 white from the Cote de Beaune. Attractive to drink now in this fresh stage but a few years in the cellar will add more complexity. At the time of my visit the 2008 and 2009 wines were not released. Alexa Canal du Comet suggested we have a look to see what stage they are at. The net result is that the 2008 has been made available for Australia.
2008 Pouilly-Fuisse “Cuvee 1551” Usual Price $49.95 Pre-Arrival Price $42.50 Just as is the case in the Cote du Beaune the 2008 wine is a little richer and riper. Still a very floral nose with a little more exotic fruit character, rather than intense citrus and minerality. The palate is still tightly wound and very vibrant. The slightly richer style of the vintage suggests this wine will develop a little more rapidly.
Compared to many new world chardonnays both wines are fresh and very enjoyable to drink. There is no obvious oak and no stirred lees character to muddy the taste. They are wines to enjoy, not struggle to drink because of their extract and alcohol. Your preference will depend on whether you like a more mineral style (2007) or a little more fruit (2008).
Mixed 12-Bottle Case Usual Price $599.40 Pre-Arrival Price $499.00 A mixed case containing 6 each 2007 and 2008 Pouilly-Fuisse “Cuvee 1551”.
Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment. Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au darren@grandmillesime.com.au