2020 Jules Desjourneys Pouilly-Fuissé

Jules Desjourneys is a new domain from a highly experienced fine wine distributor. For decades Fabien Duperray was an agent for many of the Côte d’Or’s premier producers. Then, in 2007, he was offered the chance to purchase a parcel of ancient vines in Moulin-a-Vent and Fleurie. He jumped at the opportunity and began devoting himself to running his new estate, which he named Domaine Jules Desjourneys. He farms entirely according to biodynamic principles and his yields are very low. The wines are whole-cluster fermented and during the maceration period Duperray’s approach is very hands-off. Reviewers have noted that the wines are built to age, which is unusual for Beaujolais. Duperray’s first commercial vintage was the 2007 bottling, and wine writers have been exceptionally complimentary. Wine Advocate described the wines like this: “Think serious, concentrated and teeth coating with extremely firm but ripe tannins and you have the essence of these remarkable wines.”

Mâconnais is in the southern end of Burgundy, just above Beaujolais. The district takes its name from the village of Mâcon, which was the center of a thriving wine trade in the 17th century. In those days Mâconnais produced more red than white wine. Today Mâcconais makes mostly white wine made from Chardonnay grapes and is best known as the home of Pouilly-Fuissé. Pouilly-Fuissé is a white wine appellation made up of the villages of Pouilly and Fuissé. There are no Grand or Premier Crus in Mâconnais. But in addition to Pouilly-Fuissé, village appellations include Saint-Véran, Viré-Clessé and Mâcon and Mâcon-Villages. The Mâcon plus a village name is an allowable wine label. Mâcconais includes 17,300 acres of vineyards. Red wines are made from Pinot Noir or Gamay, which is the primary grape just slightly further south in Beaujolais.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.