Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé 2014

Excellency and consistency are Gilles Noblet’s calling cards. In more than two decades of tasting Noblet’s wines, we have never tasted anything less than classic, elegant Mâcon-Fuissé and Pouilly-Fuissé from Gilles Noblet, as Domaine Gilles Noblet’s 2014 Mâcon-Fuissé readily attests. The 2014 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé sports its usual bright sun-splashed robe that recalls the rows of golden clusters of Chardonnay grapes that mature gently and slowly under the Mâconnais sun. The wine’s elegant, savory bouquet of acacia flowers, apple blossoms, and minerals, the latter emanating from the appellation’s limestone rich soil, captivates the nose. On the palate, the 2014 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé 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 – a wonderful change from the plethora of ponderous, often over-oaked New World Chardonnays. We suggest moderate chilling (40° F), before allowing this Mâcon-Fuissé to evolve slowly in the glass to reveal its subtle charms. Salut!

The 2014 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé is a crowd pleaser and an easy wine to drink, on its own or with food. It pairs naturally with food, providing understated elegance to complement a wide variety of dishes, especially those prepared with fish and shellfish. Scallop and crab dishes constitute perennial favorites with Gilles Noblet’s wines. Scallops, sautéed in a light cream sauce with pistachio nuts, and crabmeat cocktails offer especially memorable pairings to Gilles Noblet’s elegant Mâcon-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 2014 Mâcon-Fuissé. Yet, Noblet’s refreshing, easy to drink Mâcon-Fuissé makes a great aperitif or start to a relaxing evening. Aside from French Champagne, it’s hard to imagine a finer wine to sip and savor before dinner than Domaine Gilles Noblet’s Mâcon-Fuissé. For a little extra pleasure, serve this wine with thin slices of Pink Lady apples and creamy slices of Havarti cheese. Enjoy!

Gilles Noblet of Domaine de la Collonge continues to fashion some of the Mâcon’s (the Mâcon is 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 (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 Mâcon-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, and St. Véran – all elegant Mâcon 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 average age of the vines at Noblet’s domaine averages more than forty years, with many vines considerably older. Noblet’s old vines and reduced yields result in wines that are more generous and concentrated than other Mâconnais whites. Gilles Noblet’s wines are classic white Burgundies and some of the most compelling wines of the Mâconnais.