Christophe Cordier, Pouilly Fuissé 1er Cru, Vers Cras, Burgundy, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Christophe Cordier’s estate comprises 30-odd hectares over a number of Village appellations in the Mâconnais region, including Mâcon-Fuissé Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint Veran.

He produces balanced wines by harvesting fresh ripe grapes that concentrate naturally due to their low yields, and in a distinctive house style that is always concentrated, rich and full. The domain’s high-tech winery includes a gravity bottling facility and a raft of high-quality large French oak casks for ageing that are toasted under Christophe’s direct supervision.

Viticulture

The soils are composed of clay and limestone. The various plots, all over 60 years old, face east. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand.

Winemaking

Whole grapes are gently pressed, and the juice is transferred by gravity into barrels for natural fermentation. The wine is aged for 12 months in 500-litre barrels, followed by a further 6 months in stainless steel tanks, remaining throughout on its original lees.

Tasting Note

A rich and enigmatic wine, seductive and full bodied as well as well balanced. The complex layers of stone fruit and minerality sit alongside a textured mouthfeel and lovely long finish.

Food matching

Grilled or roasted fish, such as cod, halibut, or sea bass, are excellent choices.