Domaine Lemonier Pouilly-Fuissé “Terroirs” 2022

Alcohol: 13.5%

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Localization: Burgundy, France

Tasting Notes: With pale lemon-pulp color, this has opulent aromas of honeysuckle, spiced pears, and orange zest. The generous palate suggests ripe peaches, bosc pears, Fuji apples, and citrus. The flavors are very rich and full, but never feel heavy or sweet on the finish because of abundant fresh rocky mineral energy that kicks in leading to a long zesty, spicy close. It’s hard to put down and brings you back for another taste and another glass. 

Notes: The Lemonier family, of Domaine Sangouard-Guyot fame, made this terrific white burgundy with fruit from their family-owned chardonnay parcels in their home village of Vergisson. These vineyards are in the heart of Pouilly-Fuissé, the very best part of Burgundy’s Mâconnais region. The “Domaine Lemonier” label was created for their importer and already has a loyal following in our area. Aged in stainless-steel for 10 months, this is bursting with ripe fruit while displaying the minerality that makes Vergisson wines famous. Already delicious, it’s a wine that can easily age at least 5-6 years.

Food Pairing: Enjoy it over the next five or six years with poultry in cream sauce or with seafood, from scallops to lobster.

The Domain: The source of some of the most sought-after white wines of the Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé is produced exclusively from the Chardonnay grape and tends to be slightly richer in style than wines from its northern neighbor, the Côte de Beaune—mainly due to warmer weather. Wines from Pouilly-Fuissé have some versatility; they can be enjoyed young and can also often improve with a little time in the cellar. Pouilly-Fuissé wines are considered some of the best values for white Burgundy.

Similar to the Côte de Beaune, the soils of Pouilly-Fuissé are mainly limestone and clay. The appellation includes the communes of Fuissé, Solutré (which includes Pouilly), Vergisson and Chaintré. The richest Chardonnay comes from Fuissé and Solutré-Pouilly, whereas the Chardonnay at higher elevation, from Vergisson, expresses more minerality and finesse.