Domaine Merlin : Pouilly-Fuissé Village "Vieilles Vignes" 2022

The structure and precision of a white wine from Burgundy

The estate
Driven by a deep passion for viticulture and winemaking, Olivier Merlin and his wife acquired the Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sorlin in 1987, located not far from Mâcon. Convinced that this terroir could reveal great Burgundy wines, they gave birth to the Domaine Merlin.

Claiming to be "wine artisans", Olivier and Corinne Merlin take special care of the vineyard as well as the cellar. Each plot is subject to adapted soil work, fertilizers are exclusively organic to preserve microbial life, and the harvests are carried out by hand. In the cellar, the pressing is done in whole bunches and the fermentations, like the aging, take place in oak barrels. This environmentally respectful approach aims to produce sincere and racey cuvées, faithful reflections of their original terroir.

The estate now extends over 22 hectares, planted with chardonnay, pinot noir and gamay. Since 2017, their sons Théo and Paul, with international experiences, have joined the family adventure.

The vineyard
This Pouilly-Fuissé Village Vieilles Vignes comes from vines located at 280 meters altitude in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. Facing east, they are planted on a quaternary clay-limestone soil, on a gentle slope of about 10%, which promotes both drainage and optimal grape maturity.

Vinification and aging
The grapes are hand-picked before being gently pressed. The alcoholic fermentation, followed by the malolactic fermentation, takes place in oak barrels. The aging continues for 12 months in barrels, supplemented by 6 months in stainless steel tanks to refine the structure. Before bottling, a racking and a light filtration are carried out, without fining.

Grape variety
100% chardonnay.

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Pouilly-Fuissé Village Vieilles Vignes 2022

Tasting

Color
The color displays a pale gold hue, bright and luminous.

Nose
Intense and expressive, the nose reveals aromas of white flowers such as hawthorn, enhanced by elegant vanilla notes.

Palate
The palate seduces with its roundness, richness and fatness, in a generous style typical of the appellation.