POUILLY-FUISSE
Appellation Pouilly-Fuissé Controlée
GRAPE VARIETY
Chardonnay 100%
TASTING NOTES
Pouilly-Fuissé Terres du Menhir 2023 from Domaine Gilles Morat is a white of great finesse and minerality from the heart of the Mâconnais in Burgundy, 100% Chardonnay from organic vineyards on the limestone slopes of Vergisson, with perfect balance between ripe fruit and rocky tension for evolutions up to 8-10 years. The 2023 vintage in the Mâconnais was warm and sunny, with a favourable flowering followed by a dry summer that concentrated aromas, lending the Pouilly-Fuissé fruity maturity balanced by fresh acids; no specific ratings for this cuvée yet, but the domaine confirms excellent ageing potential thanks to its saline structure. Pouilly-Fuissé AOP rises between the legendary Rocks of Solutré and Vergisson, on limestone soils rich in marine fossils and Triassic clays that infuse unique mineral energy; "Terres du Menhir" evokes the prehistoric menhirs scattered in the terroir, while Domaine Morat works 6-7 hectares organic since 2001 at high altitudes (350-450m) for freshness and purity. Pure Chardonnay from selected parcels like Aux Vignes Dessus or similar, fermented in barrique (15% new) with malolactic fermentation and bâtonnage for 10-11 months on lees, reaches 13-13.5% abv with medium-full body, served at 12°C with shellfish, poultry, or creamy cheeses. On the eye, bright golden yellow with green hues, clear and enveloping. On the nose, aromas of white peach, ripe citrus, white flowers, and flinty mineral touches. On the palate, round and fleshy attack, with fine spices, vibrant acidity, and saline-mineral persistence. Founded in 1997 by Gilles and Joëlle Morat (now with son Pierre as winemaker since 2020), Vergisson's organic domaine is celebrated by various international guides, blending artisanal tradition with taut, age-worthy wines; high-altitude vines combat global warming while preserving freshness.