Pouilly-Fuissé, Vers Châne 2023, Château de Lavernette

Affordable class from Pouilly-Fuissé: Pouilly-Fuissé 'Vers Châne' 2023 – Château de Lavernette

Are you looking for a Chardonnay that breathes the luscious depth of a great Pouilly-Fuissé, yet shines with pristine, liquid precision? The Pouilly-Fuissé 'Vers Châne' from Château de Lavernette is the perfect answer. The Boissieu family, who has been crafting wine with a masterly hand for generations on the border of Burgundy and Beaujolais, proves with this biodynamic cuvée how grand complexity and a silky texture come together. A wine that charms right now with its tension, but will gain immense depth in the cellar.

Pouilly-Fuissé Character with Liquid Precision

In the glass, the wine displays a brilliant glow. The nose opens with an enticing bouquet of honey blossom conviction and bright white grapefruit, elegantly complemented by notes of ripe stone fruit, flint, and mild sweet spices.

The palate is broad and soft: a full, round texture with a delightful depth and the subtle buttery notes and brioche so characteristic of these top terroirs. The flavors of lemongrass and wild flower honey perfectly balance the deep, stony mineral core. Thanks to the exceptionally long and patient aging of 22 months in French oak barrels (of which 15-20% is new wood), the wine develops extra gastronomic layers of crème brûlée, toast, and a hint of ginger. The finish is breathtaking: long, energetic, elegant, and with an inviting, saline twist.

Terroir and Vinification

• Origin: 'Vers Châne', the most late-ripening plot (0.8 ha) of the estate with an eastern exposure. The old vines (planted in 1956 and 1999) root deeply in a rich soil of clay-limestone marl.
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay; manually harvested and strictly selected on the sorting table with a modest yield of 45 Hl/ha.
• Ageing: An impressive maturation of 22 months in French oak barriques (15-20% new wood) for a perfect harmony and structure.
• Method: Fully biodynamic (Demeter certified) since 2007. Direct pressing of whole clusters, natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and prolonged contact with the fine lees for extra nourishment and texture.

Wine and Food: Gastronomically Versatile

This Pouilly-Fuissé 'Vers Châne' is an excellent companion for:

• Classic escargots in garlic herb butter or fresh oysters.
• Grilled trout, halibut, swordfish, or rich, creamy fish soups.
• Pan-seared freshwater bass (Provencale) or soft-shell crab.
• Guinea-fowl supreme, wild fowl, or juicy pork chops.
• A creamy risotto with wild mushrooms and quinoa.
• Rich, creamy blue cheeses or soft, sharp cheeses.
• Enjoyed on its own as a generous and luxurious treat, preferably served between 8 and 12°C.

Why this wine is a smart choice

With this bottle, you bring the absolute pinnacle of the Mâconnais into your home. It reflects the pure, biodynamic craftsmanship of Château de Lavernette: full-bodied, pristine, and silky-smooth, with a fantastic mineral backbone to develop beautifully over the next 5 to 10 years. An ideal choice for the enthusiast seeking classic Burgundy class with breathtaking freshness.

About Château de Lavernette

Château de Lavernette is a historic family estate located on the border where Burgundy and Beaujolais meet. Since 2007, the Boissieu family has worked fully biodynamically, with the deepest respect for the ecosystem and the expression of their unique plots. Their secret behind the 'Vers Châne' lies in the extremely long aging on the fine lees and highly controlled oak usage, resulting in masterful, layered terroir wines.

In Summary:

• Style: Classic, complex Chardonnay with outstanding freshness and precision.
• Taste: Rich structure, lively acidity, notes of citrus, brioche, and a mineral flint core.
• Origin: 'Vers Châne', a unique, late-ripening plot on clay-limestone marl.
• Ageing: 22 months in French oak barriques (15-20% new wood) on the fine lees.
• Potential: A wonderful experience now, but possesses excellent cellaring potential for 5 to 10 years.