J.-A. Ferret : Pouilly-Fuissé 1er cru "Les Ménétrières" 2023

Tasting characteristics and serving suggestions for the Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru "Les Ménétrières" 2023 by J.-A. Ferret

Tasting

Appearance

This wine reveals a beautiful pale gold colour, characteristic of the great white wines of its region.

Nose

The bouquet is both delicate and concentrated. It exhales subtle notes of white flowers, verbena and lemon balm, intertwined with indulgent aromas of beurre manié, whipped cream and fleshy fruits such as pear, peach and pineapple. Refreshing touches of citrus and freshly cut grass perfectly round out this remarkably complex profile.

Palate

Boasting a dense texture and a strong Mâconnais identity, the palate offers a frank succulence, perfectly balanced by beautiful mineral tension. One finds flavours of ripe fruits and subtle spicy notes, underpinned by vibrant acidity. The faithful expression of the Fuissé style extends into a finish of phenomenal power and exceptional length.

Food and wine pairings

This cuvée pairs wonderfully with white meats in cream and mushroom sauces, such as a Bresse poultry or sweetbreads. It also sublimates seafood, such as a scallop carpaccio, as well as fresh goat cheeses or soft cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Crafted to stand the test of time, this Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru "Les Ménétrières" 2023 possesses remarkable ageing potential. It can be optimally kept and enjoyed between approximately 2025 and 2035, with possible positive evolution until 2042.

The masterful expression of a great Pouilly-Fuissé terroir by Domaine J.-A. Ferret

The estate

Founded in 1840, Domaine J.-A. Ferret is a historic figure of the Mâconnais, in Burgundy. Spanning approximately 18 hectares, the estate distinguished itself very early on through its plot-by-plot vinification and estate bottling, an innovative approach that has become its true hallmark. Acquired in 2008 by the renowned Maison Louis Jadot, the domaine is today led by Clément Robinet. Recently awarded four stars in the specialist guides, it continues to shine through its wines of exceptional quality and precision.

The vineyard

The 80-are plot giving rise to this wine is located at the edge of the village, on the back side of Mont Pouilly, mid-slope. East-facing, these vines of around forty years of age were planted during three campaigns between 1974 and 1999. This unique terroir of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation lies on a geological mosaic: deep silty-clay soils derived from residual clays sit alongside limestone and marl-limestone benches in depth, while the upper part is distinguished by highly calcareous light Dogger marls. The entire vineyard is farmed according to the principles of organic agriculture.

The vintage

The year 2023 ranks among the hottest in the region's recent history, even surpassing the cumulative temperatures of 2022. This solar and ripe vintage allowed for manual harvesting from late August and early September, ensuring perfect phenolic ripeness of the grapes without any excess.

Winemaking and ageing

The crafting of the Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru "Les Ménétrières" 2023 begins with fermentation in barrels. The wine then benefits from a meticulous 10-month ageing in oak barrels (comprising 25% new barrels and 75% barrels of one to three wines). This process is completed by a 9-month refinement in stainless steel tanks on lees, bringing richness and antioxidant protection, before bottling scheduled for April 2025.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.