Pouilly-Fuissé Hors-Classe Les Ménétrières 2016
Trade Tools
France / Burgundy
Les Ménétrières is a 2 acre southeast-facing vineyard that borders the village of Fuissé. One third of the vines are 40 years old, one third are 20, and a third are 10 years old. The upper half of the vineyard is planted on shale, while the lower half is planted on pearly slabs. The soil is composed of alluvial deposits, a mix of deep silt and clay with few stones. The subsoil features streaks of limestone and limestone marls, while top layers are rich in stone-free limestone deposits and light marls. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, of which 20% are new, and is followed by a period of six months’ aging on fine lees.
Harvest Note
2016 saw an atypical harvest . The picking began on September 21st with a small team, collecting grapes from two perfectly ripe parcels. In order to allow the remaining vines the opportunity to benefit from the rain, the picking halted for a few days with the conclusion on September 27th. The ripeness levels were good and the weather was fine resulting in grapes with a lovely golden color and musts that were magnificent and structured. This was a small yield vintage, stemming from a spring-time hail storm, but you can expect a refreshing vibrance and liveliness from the 2016 vintage.
Tasting Note
Superbly rich and generous, this wine has aromas of subtle cream blended with rich Chardonnay fruit, with honey notes. On the palate, ripe fruit, toast and quince paste punctuate a full-bodied, generous rich wine that is powerful, intense and vivid, with a long, haunting finish. The wine will benefit from further maturing in bottle.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Pouilly-Fuissé
PH: 3.3
ACIDITY: 4.22 g/l
ABV: 13%
AGING: 6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new, on fine lees
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 21%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 1.2 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Tête de Cru and Cuvée Hors-Classe are precursor to higher classification (Premier Cru) sites within appellation currently under consideration by INAO
- Vinification of each parcel is identical to allow each wine to express the individual terroir to the fullest
- Will benefit from further maturing in bottle
Clément Robinet – Domaine Ferret Technical Director
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
