Domaine de la Collonge Mâcon-Fuissé 2010

Excellence and consistency go hand and hand at Domaine de la Collonge, so it should come as no surprise that Gilles Noblet’s 2010 Mâcon-Fuissé bears more than a passing resemblance to his renowned Pouilly-Fuissé.  Both offer a bright shimmering robe and fresh, brimming flavors.  And with every sip of the 2010 Mâcon-Fuissé, one can see and taste the golden clusters of Chardonnay grapes that mature gently and slowly under the Mâconnais sun.  What's more, the 2010 Domaine de la Collonge Mâcon-Fuissé exhibits as much flavor as Noblet’s elegant, seductive Pouilly-Fuissé.  On the nose, this stylish wine offers up the beguiling scents of acacia flowers and apple blossoms. On the palate, the 2010 Domaine de la Collonge Mâcon-Fuissé follows through with gentle fruit, pinpoint minerality, laser like precision, and purity – all of which add up to an elegant, nuanced, refreshing glass of Chardonnay that will please even the most ardent critics of over-blown, over-oaked Chardonnays.  And like Pouilly-Fuissé, the 2010 Domaine de la Collonge Mâcon-Fuissé is best served well chilled (40° F), at least initially, before being allowed to evolve slowly in the glass.  Salut!

The 2010 Domaine de la Collonge Mâcon-Fuissé is an easy wine to drink, solely as an aperitif or with food. It pairs naturally with food because it provides understated elegance to complement a wide variety of dishes, especially those made with fish and other fine fruits of the sea. Scallop and crab dishes constitute some of our favorite offerings with Gilles Noblet’s wines. Scallops, sautéed in a light cream sauce with pistachio nuts, are a perennial favorite. A simple crab cocktail or dip offers another memorable pairing to Gilles Noblet’s elegant 2010 Mâcon-Fuissé. Flounder, stuffed with crabmeat, makes a wonderful partner, too. In addition, baked or grilled sole, sea bass, and grouper offer other fine choices with this wine. And for those not beholden to the sea for sustenance, imaginative chicken salads; light pastas; and healthy organic greens, served with dried cranberries and goat cheese present other excellent pairings with this dazzling Mâcon-Fuissé. Furthermore, short of French Champagne, we cannot think of a better way to kick off a relaxing evening or a pleasant interlude than with a bottle of Gilles Noblet’s 2010 Mâcon-Fuissé. Moreover, this wine complements a wide array of fruits and cheeses, so we suggest you keep an extra bottle or two on hand to share after dinner with friends; it will help wash away the weather stained cares of life. Enjoy!

Gilles Noblet at Domaine de la Collonge continues to fashion some of the Mâcon’s (the area of southern Burgundy that is known for its elegant Chardonnay wines) finest and most enjoyable white wines from several renowned appellations. Noblet’s Domaine de la Collonge is a small family owned and run domain of only 22 acres. Gilles is the fourth generation member of his family to make wine at this prized property. For the record, Gilles’ wife, also, comes from a traditional winemaking family. Madame Noblet is the sister of Jacky Janodet of Domaine des Fine Graves in nearby Moulin-à-Vent, so wine and winemaking run deep in the heart and soul of this couple as well as in the terroir of the domaine’s well-tended vineyards. The name Domaine de la Collonge derives from the sector or area (known as an aire) of the Fuissé commune that is called Collonge. Most of Gilles Noblet’s estate is spread along the hills of la Collonge, which yield on average only a little more than six thousand cases of Pouilly-Fuissé each year. However, Monsieur Noblet also fashions small quantities of exceptional Mâcon-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, and St. Véran – all elegant Chardonnay wines from the Mâcon similar to Pouilly-Fuissé. Although not certified organic, Gilles Noblet practices sustainable agriculture and uses non-interventionist methods at Domaine de la Collonge. No artificial fertilizers or insecticides are employed, and only natural yeast is used in fermentation. Moreover, the average age of the vines for Domaine de la Collonge averages more than forty years, while many vines are considerably older. Noblet’s old vines and reduced yields result in wines that are more generous and concentrated than the average Mâconnais white. In appellations that traditionally turn out large quantities of wine, Gilles Noblet decided a long time ago to dance to a different beat. Rather, the Noblet style of Chardonnay is one of elegance, purity, and the honest expression of each appellation’s terroir. Noblet’s Mâcon-Fuissé and Pouilly-Fuissé feature a real balance between flesh and bone, fruit and minerality, if you will. In addition, Noblet uses traditional wooden foudres (large wooden tanks) with temperature control elements for fermentation to insure texture and a gentle roundness in his wine. He also ages his wine in a combination of foudres and small oak barriques; only 20% or less are new each year. The limited use of new oak is practiced expressly, so that the oak barrels impart roundness and texture to the wine, rather than the overwhelming taste of oak that destroys the natural delicacy of Mâcon-Fuissé and its siblings. In essence, the wines of Domaine de la Collonge are classic white Burgundies as well as some of the most compelling wines of the Mâconnais.