2023 Chateau de Fuisse Tete de Cru Pouilly Fuisse Maconnais, Burgundy

Château de Fuissé has been one of the defining names of Pouilly Fuissé for generations, with the Vincent family crafting some of the Mâconnais’ most respected Chardonnay since the 19th century. Tête de Cru is a selection of the estate’s finest vineyard parcels, sourced from old vines rooted in limestone rich slopes that deliver both concentration and mineral precision. It sits beautifully between the estate’s classic village bottlings and the more powerful single vineyard wines, offering serious white Burgundy character with remarkable drinkability.

The 2023 vintage is rich yet beautifully balanced, opening with aromas of white peach, ripe lemon and nectarine layered with acacia blossom, toasted almond and subtle flinty notes. There is impressive depth through the palate, though bright acidity and chalky minerality keep everything fresh and focused. Lees ageing adds texture and savoury complexity, bringing hints of brioche and hazelnut without overwhelming the purity of the fruit. The finish is long, saline and quietly powerful, lingering with citrus oil and crushed stone.

This is the kind of Chardonnay that absolutely thrives at the dinner table. Butter poached lobster, roast chicken with tarragon or creamy seafood pasta would all be sensational matches. It would also shine beside grilled scallops, mushroom risotto or a wedge of aged comté enjoyed late into the evening. Given a little time in the glass, more mineral and savoury detail slowly emerges, making every sip feel a little more compelling than the last.