Value white Burgundy: Rontets Pouilly-Fuisse

Nowhere is Chardonnay more highly regarded as it is in the southern Côte d’Or, the ‘Slope of Gold’. But increasing worldwide demand for Burgundy has pushed famous villages such as Puligny-Montrachet to new, often unaffordable levels.

Pouilly-Fuissé in the Mâconnais, further to the south, can offer similar quality at half the price. With that in mind, we are excited to offer one of the region’s leading producers – Château des Rontets.

Perched on the summit of the hill that faces north and looks down on the village of Fuissé, at 350 metres it’s among the highest and coolest sites in all of the Mâconnais.

‘It’s an exciting discovery for me… One of the best Maconnais of the vintage,’ says Tim Atkin.

The proprietor is Fabio Montrasi, an Italian architect from Milan who married into the château and started restoring the vineyards. The estate model here is quite unique in Burgundy – and more akin to what one finds in Bordeaux – in that the vineyard parcels are enclosed within a large wall, or ‘clos’, surrounding the family home and cellar.

Farmed organically, the wines are made traditionally and matured only in seasoned oak. Clos Varambon surrounds the château and was planted between 1945 and 2000. It offers a limier, more fragrant expression. Pierrefolle, 500 metres outside the clos, enjoys an east-facing exposure and granitic bedrock. It is slightly more structured in a richer style.

Chateau des Rontets

The 2013s are not yet rated by Burghound, but the vintage is on par with, if not superior to, the highly-rated 2012s. ‘As the scores and comments confirm, the Rontets wines are excellent and if you aren’t familiar with them, they should merit your interest.’ – Allen Meadows, Burghound

For those seeking a value red Burgundy, our pick is the Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits Village 2012 – a blend of several villages in the north. It too punches above its weight. ‘The purity of the Pinot Noir in this wine is outstanding,’ says Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast.

Burgundy wines

Email [email protected] or place your order online .

See a list of all the Burgundy 2013s here .

Free delivery to main centres on orders over R1,500. If you need any assistance, call us on 021 448 4105 (CT) or 011 027 9463 (JHB). View delivery charges .

 

Tasting Notes

Château des Rontets Pouilly-Fuissé Clos Varambon 2013 – R 335

Clos Varambon is produced from organically farmed 45-year-old vines perched on a hill overlooking the village of Fuissé. Half aged in large oak foudres and half in neutral oak, barrel fermentation lends ample viscosity and richness in the mouth. Orange blossom, green apple, Bartlett pear and lemongrass abound in this nicely valued Burgundy.

Château des Rontets Pouilly-Fuissé Pierrefolle 2013 – R 395

The Pouilly-Fuissé Pierrefolle comes from the granite soils that are deeper and contain more silt, not dissimilar to those of Vinzelles. The east-facing soils have a better exposure than the Clos Varambon as it is warmer and less exposed to the winds. It has a subtle, more understated bouquet than the Clos Varambon.

Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits Village 2012 – R 335

An assemblage of villages from the southern end of the Côte de Nuits in Corgoloin, Comblanchien, Premeaux, Brochon and Couchey.

‘A delicious red Burgundy, with harmonious flavours. Bright ruby colour. On the nose, intense aromas of wild cherry, liquorice and mild spices, evolving towards notes of undergrowth and mushroom. On the palate, excellent balance between tannin, acidity and “gras” (velvety texture). The aftertaste is reminiscent of little red berries.’ – Veronique Drouhin-Boss

‘The purity of the Pinot Noir in this wine is outstanding. It may not be particularly complex, but the beautiful ripe red cherry fruit is so good. Drink now, or keep until 2020.’ – Wine Enthusiast, 88/100

The post Value white Burgundy: Rontets Pouilly-Fuisse appeared first on Wine Cellar Plus.

[Category: Blog, Newsletters, 2013 Burgundies, Allen meadows, Burgundy wines, Chateau des Rontes, Château des Rontets Pouilly-Fuissé Clos Varambon 2013, Château des Rontets Pouilly-Fuissé Pierrefolle 2013, Joseph Drouhin, Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits Village 2012, Roger Voss, Tim Atkin, Value white Burgundies]


more on winecellarplus.co.za