Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru 'Vers Cras' 2022, Joseph Deshaires – Domaine de Beauregard

Pouilly-Fuissé stands at the absolute pinnacle of the Mâconnais, and its Premier Cru 'Vers Cras' designation underscores the exceptional quality of this specific terroir.

(Good to know: Joseph Deshaires – Domaine de Beauregard is the dedicated export label of the renowned Château de Beauregard / Joseph Burrier. The wine, vineyards, and estate are identical.)

This classy 100% Chardonnay originates from a 0.5-hectare parcel situated on the Fuissé side of Vers Cras at an altitude of approximately 250 meters. While other parts of Vers Cras lean more towards 'Pouilly', this Fuissé side is particularly stony with white limestone from the Upper Oxfordian period. As a result, this Premier Cru reveals a style remarkably close to the great wines of Chablis: crisp, pure, and intensely mineral-driven.

Showing a bright, mid-fresh gold color, the wine caught the attention of Master of Wine Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy, 90/100 pts). He highlights its vibrant energy, the refreshing, slightly vegetal nose characteristic of the 2022 vintage, and its impressive bounce-back on the palate. On the palate, it is crisp, lean, and savory. Featuring vibrant acidity, a medium-light body, and a long mineral finish, this is a Burgundy of impressive stature.

Key Highlights

• Rating: 90/100 Points (4 Stars) – Jasper Morris MW (Inside Burgundy, March 2024).
• Terroir: 100% Chardonnay from hand-picked grapes grown on the 0.5-hectare parcel on the Fuissé side of Premier Cru 'Vers Cras'. The exceptionally stony white limestone soil gives the wine its remarkable precision, vitality, and strong mineral identity.
• Winemaking & Ageing: Fermented with native yeasts in oak barrels. The wine then rests on its fine lees (sur lie) for about 1 year, followed by several months of ageing in stainless steel vats to preserve its pure freshness.
• Sustainability: Fully certified organic starting with the 2022 vintage.
• Tasting Profile: Crisp, energetic, and mineral-driven. Notes of fresh citrus, yellow fruit, acacia, subtle vegetal freshness, and a long, focused finish.
• Ageing Potential: Highly enjoyable now (Jasper Morris suggests a drinking window of 2024–2028), but possesses the structure and acidity to cellar gracefully over time.

Food Pairing

• Poultry: Excellent with poultry or veal in a creamy white wine sauce.
• Vegetarian: Pairs wonderfully with a savory vegetable tatin or roasted root vegetables.
• Fish & Seafood: Perfect alongside refined fish dishes, grilled turbot, or pan-seared scallops.
• Serving Suggestion: Decanting is not necessary, but opening the bottle half an hour before serving is recommended. Best served between 11°C and 13°C.

The Terroir of Premier Cru Vers Cras

This specific parcel sits on the Fuissé side of Vers Cras on the Beauregard plateau. The extremely stony, limestone-rich soil forces the vines to root deeply. This specific microclimate and soil composition bestow the Chardonnay grape with a rare combination of energy, intense minerality, crisp acidity, and delicate floral and vegetal nuances.

About Château de Beauregard (Joseph Deshaires / Joseph Burrier)

Château de Beauregard is a prestigious Burgundian estate located in Fuissé and has been owned by the Burrier family since 1854. The estate spans 37 hectares of exceptional vineyards across the region's finest appellations. Under the family's stewardship, traditional winemaking meets organic certification and native yeast fermentations, ensuring the authentic terroir expression of each Premier Cru and Beaujolais Cru is preserved.