Château de Pommard, a venerable name synonymous with the Côte de Beaune's Pinot Noir, extends its viticultural expertise to the Mâconnais with this exceptional Pouilly-Fuisse 1er Cru La Marechaude 2022. This bottling represents a significant expression of Chardonnay from a region increasingly recognised for its distinct terroir.
The Pouilly-Fuisse appellation, elevated to include Premier Cru climats in 2020, now formally acknowledges sites like La Marechaude for their superior geological and microclimatic attributes. Situated on the distinctive limestone-rich soils of the Mâconnais, La Marechaude benefits from optimal sun exposure and elevation, contributing to grapes with concentrated flavour profiles and inherent minerality.
The 2022 vintage in Burgundy was generally favourable, yielding wines of excellent balance and aromatic intensity. Château de Pommard's winemaking approach for this Premier Cru likely involves a judicious balance of traditional and modern techniques, potentially including barrel fermentation and extended ageing on fine lees to enhance complexity and textural richness, while preserving the inherent freshness and typicity of the site.
Tasting notes
The 2022 Pouilly-Fuisse 1er Cru La Marechaude presents a luminous golden hue in the glass. The nose is expressive, revealing a sophisticated bouquet of ripe orchard fruits—pear and white peach—intertwined with delicate floral notes of acacia and a distinct underlying minerality, characteristic of its limestone origins. Subtle hints of toasted almond and vanilla suggest a thoughtful oak integration.
On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and harmonious. A vibrant acidity provides freshness, balancing the wine's creamy texture and concentrated fruit core. Flavours echo the nose, with added dimensions of citrus zest and a saline edge. The finish is long and persistent, leaving an impression of elegant complexity and a refined mineral tension, promising excellent ageing potential.