La Soufrandiere Macon Vinzelles Le Clos de Grand Pere 2020

Winery Background and History: La Soufrandière, created by the Bret Brothers in Vinzelles, Burgundy, traces its roots to a family vineyard parcel owned by their maternal grandfather. Established in the early 2000s with a focus on old vine Chardonnay, it follows certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, emphasizing terroir purity and minimal intervention. The estate has garnered acclaim for delivering expressive wines at exceptional value  .

Producer and Wine Maker: Managed entirely by the Bret siblings, the winemaking follows traditional methods—manual harvest, whole cluster pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation and minimal sulfur. Over 90% of the wine is tank-fermented, with just 5–10% aged in older barrels over 11 months, preserving freshness while adding subtle texture  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate: The Clos de Grand Père is a genuine walled vineyard at the base of the Pouilly‑Vinzelles slope in Vinzelles, planted on shallow, rocky limestone soils of a former Roman pathway. The parcel spans roughly 0.99 ha, with vine age averaging 60 years (up to 100 years old), benefitting from east-facing exposure and moderate altitude (~200m) that brings crisp acidity and minerality  .

Vinification & Aging Methods: Grapes are whole‑cluster pressed, then 90% fermented in stainless steel tanks and 5–10% in 228 L barrels for about 11 months. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and lees aging, with minimal oak influence and sulfur additions, yielding purity and clarity of fruit  .

Tasting Notes: Offering grapefruit, mirabelle plum and white flower perfume, the palate is concentrated and energetic with flavors of ripe orchard fruit and minerality, finishing with a chiselled, citrus-tinged edge and saline lift. Some herbal freshness and spice nuances emerge in the finish. Judges noted its powerful, refined structure despite modest density  .

Food & Wine Pairing: Ideal with roast chicken or turkey, grilled seafood, goat cheese, mild creamy dishes or herb-forward cuisine. The wine’s acidity and minerality enhance shellfish platters, salads, and lighter poultry preparations  .

Service Methods and Temperatures: Serve chilled at 11–13 °C in a white Burgundy or tulip glass. No decanting needed — best enjoyed fresh to preserve lively aromatics and crisp structure.

Storage and Aging Potential: With proper cellaring (12–14 °C, ~70% humidity), it benefits from short-term aging and drinking within 2022–2028. The wine retains freshness while developing secondary complexity, especially mineral and floral depth  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used: Chardonnay 100% — typical for the Mâcon-Vinzelles appellation and consistent with the vintage and stylistic profile  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 14 % as listed for this wine and typical for La Soufrandière’s Mâcon-Vinzelles bottlings  .

Scores:

Burghound – 89–91 points (Allen Meadows)

Decanter (William Kelley via Decanter review of similar vintage) – 91 points