Pouilly-Fuissé
1er Cru Sur La Roche 2023
To the west of Mâcon, in southern Burgundy, Pouilly-Fuissé produces wines which are
famous the world over from a vineyard with Mediterranean characteristics. Wines from the foot of the rocks…
Origin
The rocky outcrops of Solutré and Vergisson, emblematic of these vineyards, remind us that from a height of five hundred metres, 200 million years of history is looking down on us ! Indeed, 20,000 years ago one of the most fully evolved prehistoric cultures flourished here.
Premier Cru appellation created in 2020, with new specifications. 194 ha premier cru over 800 ha of Pouilly-Fuissé. 22 classified climates. “Sur la Roche” is one of the plots which has been partly classified as Premier Cru, in the town of Vergisson. This climate is characterized by its altitude at 375 m and its slope at 15%.
Viticulture
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Soils: shallow from hard limestones.
Orientation: South-East
Surface area under vine: 0.7267 ha
Yield: 55 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 83 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 16 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked.
At the winery: the whole bunches of grapes were gently pressed for 2½ hours. The temperature of the must was brought down to 12°C then was immediately transferred to barrels with no settling to preserve a maximum of lees.
Ageing
Maturation: aged for 18 months in a 450-L barrel, with no racking or stirring to bring out all of this wine’s minerality. 31% new oak barrel.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time to impart a subtle, delicate touch of oak were used.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on March 17, 2025, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 2,343.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: from 6 to 9 years.
Awards
Tim Atkin - Burgundy 2023 Special Report - 92 pts
Tasting notes
With its beautiful yellow color, this wine reveals a gourmet bouquet of white fruits - apples and pears - enriched by citrus notes and subtle toasty hints. On the palate, it combines roundness and minerality, underpinned by an elegant acidic structure and delicately mellow oak. This lively wine has a fresh, harmonious finish.
