Domaine Gilles Noblet Macon-Fuissé 2013

What impresses us most about Gilles Noblet and his wines is consistency. In two decades of tasting Noblet’s wines, we have never tasted anything less than classic, elegant Macon-Fuissé and Pouilly-Fuissé. And Domaine Gilles Noblet’s 2013 Macon-Fuissé continues that long tradition of excellence. The 2013 Domaine Gilles Noblet Macon-Fussé once again bears a bright sun-splashed robe that recalls rows of golden clusters of Chardonnay grapes that mature gently and slowly under the Maconnais sun. And most rewarding is this wine’s elegant, savory bouquet of acacia flowers, apple blossoms, and minerals, the latter emanating from Fuissé’s limestone rich soil. On the palate, the 2013 Domaine Gilles Noblet Macon-Fuissé more than follows through with gentle, pure fruit flavors, pinpoint minerality, and laser like precision – all of which provide eminent drinkability and add up to an elegant, nuanced, refreshing and completely unadulterated Chardonnay that will please even the most ardent critics of over-blown, over-oaked New World Chardonnays. We suggest moderate chilling (40° F), before allowing the wine to evolve slowly in the glass to reveal its subtle charms. Salut!

The 2013 Domaine Gilles Noblet Macon-Fuissé is a crowd pleaser and an easy wine to drink, on its own or with food. It pairs naturally with all kinds of foods, providing understated elegance to complement a wide variety of dishes, especially those made with fish and other 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 Macon-Fuissé. Flounder, stuffed with crabmeat, makes a wonderful partner, too. In addition, baked or grilled grouper, sole, sea bass, and trout offer other fine choices with this wine. And for those not beholden to the sea for sustenance, flavorful chicken salads; light pastas; and healthy organic greens, served with shredded carrot, dried cranberries and goat cheese present other excellent pairings with Noblet’s seductive 2013 Macon-Fuissé. Yet, Noblet’s refreshing, easy to drink Macon-Fuissé makes for a great start to a party or relaxing evening. In short, it makes a great aperitif. Aside from French Champagne, it’s hard to imagine a finer wine to sip and savor than this elegant offering from Domaine Gilles Noblet. For a little extra pleasure, serve the 2013 Noblet Macon-Fuissé with thin slices of Pink Lady apples and creamy slices of Havarti cheese, and enjoy!

Gilles Noblet of Domaine de la Collonge continues to fashion some of the Macon’s finest and most enjoyable white wines from several renowned appellations. The Macon is the area of southern Burgundy that is known for its elegant Chardonnay wines. Noblet’s domaine (known both as Domaine Gilles Noblet and Domaine de la Collonge) is a small family owned and run estate 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, so wine and winemaking run deep in the heart and soul of this couple as well as in the terroir of Noblet’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 and smaller quantities of exceptional Macon-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, and St. Véran – all elegant Macon wines from 100% Chardonnay vines.

Although not certified organic, Gilles Noblet practices sustainable agriculture and uses non-interventionist methods in the production of his wines. No artificial fertilizers or insecticides are employed, and only natural yeast is used in fermentation. Moreover, the age of the vines at Noblet’s domaine 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 Maconnais white. In essence, Gilles Noblet’s wines are classic white Burgundies and some of the most compelling wines of the Maconnais.