Chateau des Quarts Pouilly-Fuisse Premier Cru L'Orangerie du Clos des Quarts 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Two Burgundy greats, Olivier Merlin and Dominique Lafon, came together to found Chateau des Quarts in 2012. The domaine centres around the unique 2.23 hectare Clos de Quarts monopole in southern Pouilly‑Fuissé. Some vines in this beautiful walled vineyard date back to 1917 and sit on superb clay and limestone soils facing east. The excellent conditions are exactly why this terroir was designated Premier Cru in 2020. L’Orangerie du Clos des Quarts comes from a 0.48 hectare plot planted right next to a historic orangery that was built in 1857. The Chardonnay vines are farmed organically and harvested by hand to ensure optimal quality. In the vineyard there’s a light touch with fermentation and ageing in used oak barrels and a further six months in stainless steel tanks. Bottles are just lightly filtered and unfined to avoid interfering with the natural beauty of the fruit. Fine toasty notes and intense aromas of ripe orchard fruit and zingy citrus dominate on the palate, with hints of almonds and a salivating acidity on the long finish. There’s a pleasing balance between freshness and voluptuous fruit, with a solid full body and rich texture. A great wine for roast chicken, seafood risotto, or creamy pasta dishes.