La Soufrandiere Saint Veran Cuvee La Combe Desroches 2019

Winery Background and History: Domaine La Soufrandière is operated by the Bret Brothers in Burgundy’s Mâconnais region. Since the early 2000s they’ve converted their vineyards to certified organic and biodynamic cultivation, emphasizing old vines, low yields, and terroir-driven expressions. Their minimalist ethos—no chemical inputs, use of natural yeasts, and old barrels—yields wines of striking clarity and purity that have earned Bordeaux’s annual high praise for quality at value. 

Producer and Wine Maker: The Bret Brothers oversee every stage: manual harvest, whole-cluster pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and long lees aging. Oak is used sparingly—only older barrels—and sulfur is minimized at bottling to preserve freshness and terroir identity. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate: Sourced from a 1.5‑ha parcel at the base of the Roche de Vergisson in Saint‑Véran, planted on limestone soils at ~250 m elevation. East-facing slopes provide morning light while cool Mâconnais nights retain bright acidity. Vines average 35 years old. 

Vinification & Aging Methods: Whole‑cluster pressing followed by fermentation using natural yeasts. Aging is done in large, mostly neutral oak or stainless tanks, with lees contact to enhance texture. Sulfur usage is kept to a minimum at bottling. 

Tasting Notes: Pale gold with aromas of honeysuckle, honeycomb, citrus zest and orchard fruit. The palate is zesty and taut, offering juicy orchard fruit layered with saline minerality and a vibrant, electric finish. Creamy notes and a stony backbone add depth without heaviness. 

Food & Wine Pairing: Excellent with roast chicken or turkey, creamy pasta, mild seafood, mushroom risotto, or charcuterie like Manchego cheese. Its acidity and texture make it versatile with light poultry and herbaceous dishes. 

Service Methods and Temperatures: Serve chilled at 11–13 °C in a standard white Burgundy glass. No decanting needed—serve fresh to enjoy vibrant aromatics and crisp finish.

Storage and Aging Potential: Best enjoyed within 2022–2028. With ideal storage (12–14 °C, 70 % humidity), it maintains freshness while developing subtle honeyed or nutty tertiary notes over time.

Grape Varietals & percentage used: Chardonnay 100% — typical of the appellation. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 13 % typical for this bottling. 

Scores:

• Tim Atkin MW: 91/100 for 2019 vintage