2023 Verget Macon Villages Terres de Pierres, Maconnais

Verget is the négociant project of Jean-Marie Guffens, one of Burgundy’s most meticulous and influential modern winemakers. Belgian born and fiercely detail driven, Guffens built his reputation in the Mâconnais before expanding into a micro-parcel négociant model that focuses on precision and site expression. With Terres de Pierres, he selects fruit from limestone rich vineyards across Mâcon-Villages, seeking freshness, mineral cut and clarity rather than simple generosity. His philosophy is obsessive vineyard selection, low yields and exact timing at harvest.

In the cellar, fruit is handled with the same intensity of focus. Whole bunch pressing preserves finesse, fermentation is slow and carefully monitored, and élevage often includes time in neutral oak to add structure without masking the stone driven character. Guffens aims for tension and length, crafting wines that overdeliver for their appellation.

Pale gold in colour, the aromas open with lemon zest, white peach and green apple layered with flint, almond and subtle spice. The palate is medium bodied and tightly framed, with citrus and orchard fruit wrapped in bright acidity and a chalky texture. Flavours stretch through a long, mineral finish that feels clean and precise.

It pairs beautifully with seafood, roast chicken and creamy pasta dishes. Drinking impressively now for its freshness, it will cellar comfortably for six to eight years, gaining gentle nutty complexity.