Auvigue Pouilly-Fuisse Premier Cru Le Clos de Solutre 2021

Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

A sense of place is a vital part of the European wine-making tradition, and Auvigue wines are made in a very special terroir. This family winery and most of its connected vineyards are within view of the “Roche de Solutré”, a picturesque rocky fist that towers above the rolling green hills of Pouilly-Fuissé.

These days, the winery is run by a pair of brothers, Jean-Pierre and Michel Auvigue. Domaine Auvigue has a long and storied history in the region (being founded in 1946) but it is largely the efforts of this stalwart duo that has cemented the winery’s place in the upper echelon of Pouilly-Fuissé producers.

Their wines have a delicate, floral character, which is accentuated by only using grapes on the brink of ripeness. This Premier Cru is a perfect example of the Auvigue style, with bursting notes of acacia flower, buttery toast and zesty fruit. It is a medium-bodied wine, with a wonderfully fleshy, soft mouthfeel and brisk acids. Beyond the classic white and yellow Chardonnay fruits, look for deeper notes of hazelnut, salt, vanilla, and a slight earthiness. This is a fantastic introduction to Pouilly-Fuissé and can be paired to great effect, with seafood, poultry, or a crisp goat’s cheese salad.