Pouilly-Fuissé AOP La Maréchaude 2023 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin

What kind of wine it is

Pouilly-Fuissé La Maréchaude by Domaine Saumaize-Michelin is a dry white wine made from Chardonnay grapes in the Mâconnais, Burgundy. Classified under the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, this wine demonstrates a deep connection to the terroir through the biodynamic practices applied in the vineyard. Its technical profile is marked by barrel fermentation and careful ageing on the lees. The result is a wine with a structured and complex style, distinguished by pronounced freshness and a strong mineral signature.

Where it comes from

This wine originates in the Vergisson area, within Burgundy. The vines are planted on south-east facing clay-limestone slopes with dramatic gradients reaching up to 42%. This unique topography makes manual work in the vineyard essential. The nature of the soil imparts a solid texture and a distinctive mineral sensation to the palate, while the optimal sun exposure ensures the correct and gradual ripening of Chardonnay. The character of the parcel forms the foundation of Domaine Saumaize-Michelin’s work.

How it is produced

Due to the steepness of the vineyards, harvesting is strictly done by hand. The grapes undergo vinification with fermentation in French oak barrels. The process includes meticulous bâtonnage every ten days for nine months, to ensure constant contact with the lees and enrich the aromatic complexity. This is followed by a total of twelve months ageing on fine lees. The wine is left to rest until bottling, which takes place according to the lunar calendar and strictly without filtration.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it displays a straw yellow hue that visually suggests solidity. The aroma opens with scents of white flowers, citrus, and yellow fruit, enriched by delicate exotic touches and toasted notes from the time spent in wood. On the palate it boasts a powerful structure accompanied by a pronounced minerality, while maintaining a sip that is always fresh and balanced. The finish is refined and notably juicy, with lingering flavours reminiscent of peach and melon.

Food pairings

Its structure and freshness make it the perfect companion for a variety of fish-based dishes, whether baked or sautéed. The balance between minerality and texture is particularly enhanced alongside shellfish and mollusks and pairs well with classic scallops. The smoothness gained during lees ageing allows it to harmoniously accompany soft cheeses, creating a balanced combination between the toasty components of the wine and the creaminess of the food.

When to serve it

This structured white is ideal to accompany social gatherings around the table, as it offers a satisfying and versatile aromatic profile. Its finesse allows it to elegantly support a whole meal, moving seamlessly from appetizers to main courses. The features derived from barrel aging make it the right choice when seeking a pronounced taste complexity. It fits perfectly for different times of the year, and its qualities allow for great flexibility in food pairing.