Domaine Pierre Vessigaud Pouilly-Fuissé Vieilles Vignes 2020

Domaine Pierre Vessigaud, located in the hamlet of Pouilly in the heart of the Pouilly-Fuisse appellation, was founded in 1839 and has been in the same family ever since. Pierre Vessigaud, the 5th generation to manage the estate, took over in 1988 and has been working organically in the vineyards ever since.  He submitted for recognition by Ecocert (AB) in 2010.

The estate consists of around 8 hectares in total: 3 hectares in Mâcon and 5 ha in Pouilly-Fuissé. All the vines are manually plowed. The vines average 35 years and the vineyards have a south/south-east exposure and soil consisting of chalk, clay and morainic shells and stones. The vineyards are between 200-250 meters high with a high plantationdensity of 8,500 plants/ha.

Pierre uses only copper sulphate in order to protect the vines. The grapes are harvested manually in small boxes and are pressed without destemming. All fermentations are spontaneous, using only wild yeasts. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels aging from one to ten years old.

Pierre’s goal is to produce precise wines with freshness, crispness and minerality. He wants them to be rich yet drinkable with a recognizable balance. In order to get this year after year, Pierre focuses on organics and low production in the vineyard followed by fermentation and extended aging in good quality barrels. 

"This 11-hectare domaine in the village of Pouilly is a source of fine wines that deserve to be better known. Fifth-generation vigneron Pierre Vegissaud has long plowed his soils and eschewed chemical products, attaining organic certification in 2010. Yields are limited to 40 hectoliters per hectare, a rarity for the region and which likely accounts for the concentration of these wines. Manual harvesting is followed by fermentation in used barrels, with the wines unhurriedly completing their élevage on the lees in stainless steel. Succulent but serious, any bottle bearing Vessigaud's label is well worth seeking out." - William Kelley, robertparker.com