Bret Brothers - La Soufrandière - Mâcon Villages - Terroirs du Mâconnais Cuvée 2024
The Bret Brothers house is the trading project founded by brothers Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret, already at the head of Domaine de la Soufrandière in Vinzelles, in the Mâconnais region south of Burgundy. Through this structure, they select grapes from rigorously chosen plots to reveal the diversity of the limestone terroirs of this hilly region located between Tournus and Mâcon. The Mâconnais is distinguished by its hills with predominantly clay-limestone soils and a relatively sunny Burgundian climate that allows Chardonnay to reach maturity while retaining freshness and precision. The Mâcon-Villages Terroirs du Mâconnais cuvée reflects this desire to represent the collective identity of the appellation by blending several plots from different communes in the area. This wine thus represents a faithful entry point to the style of the Bret brothers, known for its purity and respectful approach to the terroir. The grapes are grown according to organic principles, with careful vineyard work to preserve the natural balance of the soils. The 2024 vintage illustrates this approach by highlighting the freshness and energy typical of Mâconnais Chardonnays.
The 2024 Terroirs du Mâconnais cuvée is made exclusively from Chardonnay coming from several terroirs of the appellation, notably Mâcon-Villages, Mâcon-Chaintré, Viré-Clessé, Saint-Véran, and Pouilly-Fuissé. This selection allows the creation of a wine that reflects the geological and climatic diversity of southern Burgundy. The vines, aged between twenty-five and seventy years, are planted on clay-limestone soils that favor the mineral expression of the grape variety. The harvest is done manually and the grapes are pressed whole cluster to preserve aromatic finesse. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in a low-intervention approach that favors fruit precision. Aging continues for about eleven months in 228-liter oak barrels, sometimes complemented by a small portion in tank, to refine the texture without masking the terroir's identity. This method results in a balanced Chardonnay that combines fruit maturity and mineral tension.
On tasting, this 2024 Mâcon-Villages Terroirs du Mâconnais reveals a fresh nose dominated by notes of citrus, green apple, and white-fleshed fruits, accompanied by floral nuances and a slight hint of hazelnut. The palate is lively and dynamic, supported by precise acidity that highlights the natural freshness of Chardonnay grown in this southern part of Burgundy. Flavors evoke juicy pear, peach, and citrus zest, supported by a discreet mineral framework that brings balance and length. The texture remains fluid and elegant, with moderate body that enhances the wine's drinkability. The finish, clean and slightly saline, extends the fruity aromas with a persistent impression of freshness. This Mâconnais Chardonnay pairs ideally with grilled fish, seafood, lightly sauced poultry, or regional goat cheeses.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
