GILLES NOBLET
POUILLY-FUISSE 2010
BURGUNDY FRANCE

Gilles Noblet at Domaine de la Collonge fashions some of the Macon's finest and most enjoyable white wines from several renowned appellations. Noblet's Domaine de la Collonge is a small family owned domain of only 22 acres. Gilles is the fourth generation member of his family to make wine at this prized property.

In appellations that traditionally turn out large quantities of wine, Gilles Noblet decided a long time ago to dance to a different beat. Consequently, Noblet's style of Chardonnay is one of elegance, purity, and the honest expression of each appellation's terroir. Noblet's Pouilly-Fuissé features a real balance between flesh and bone, fruit and minerality, if you will. In addition, Noblet uses traditional wooden foudres (large wooden tanks) with temperature control elements for fermentation to insure texture and a gentle roundness in his wine. He also ages his wine in a combination of foudres and small oak barriques, of which only 20% or less are new each year. The limited use of new oak is practiced expressly, so that the oak barrels impart roundness and texture to the wine, rather than the overwhelming taste of oak that destroys the natural delicacy of Pouilly-Fuissé and its siblings. In essence, the wines of Domaine de la Collonge are classic white Burgundies as well as some of the most compelling wines of the Maconnais.

"Rich and buttery, sporting peach, apricot and spice aromas and flavors. There's enough acidity and a grapefruit peel tang to keep it focused. Drink now through 2014. 375 cases made. – BS Drink now through 2016"

89 points Wine Spectator