Domaine J. A. Ferret, Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy, France, 2020

Overview of the Wine
Domaine Ferret has played a key role in defining the quality of the region. It was the first domaine in Pouilly-Fuissé to begin bottling on the estate, shortly after the Second World War. Further, its long-standing focus on vinifying each parcel of vines separately has allowed for the identification of the top terroirs. The Domaine Ferret portfolio falls into three tiers: Classic, Têtes de Cru and Cuvée Hors-Classe. The Tête de Cru and Hors-Classe parcels that have been identified are a precursor to the stratification of the appellation system (which is currently under consideration by the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine). As in the Côte d’Or, the wines in each range reflect their particular terroir, and these top cuvées are produced only in great vintages.

Domaine Ferret’s estate vineyards are comprised of 18 hectares throughout the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation; 14 of these are located in the amphitheater of hills surrounding the town of Fuissé and 4 are near the Roche de Vergisson, in the north of the appellation. These terroirs and the relatively low yields, allow the production of exceptional cuvées. The vineyards are managed sustainably with an aim toward an even more rigorous respect for environmental concerns.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Burgundy, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A caressing touch, a tasty finish and a fresh texture characterize this emblematic cuvée. A reductive woodsy note suggests a positive aging potential for this cuvée.

This is a blend of the best representative parcels of the Fuissé amphitheatre. Planted between 2017 and 1947, a little more than 70 years separate the youngest vines from the oldest. The average age is 40 years. Interestingly one of the oldest plots used in this cuvée (Les Vernays, planted in 1955) is the source of the massal selection made by the domaine. Within this one cuvée one can find a snapshot of Fuissé's geological complexity.

92 Points - Decanter
Beautiful lemony fruit, with mineral notes and bright aromas of acacia flowers. On the palate the texture is silky and lively, but there is a pleasant creamy edge to give balance. First-rate Chardonnay. This cuvée is a blend of many parcels over 9.5ha. The grapes were picked at 13% potential alcohol and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with a large percentage of the lees to give it more body - more were used in 2020 than ever before. After fermentation, the wine was aged in used tanks.

Product size: 750ml