Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé 2020

The 2020 vintage has yielded superb white Burgundies, and Gilles Noblet’s 2020 Mâcon-Fuissé ranks among the finest he has produced. The 2020 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé exhibits superb ripeness along with the energy and precision that always make Noblet’s wines both immensely compelling and highly sought after. The 2020 Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé radiates a brilliant glint of sunshine, which recalls the rows of golden clusters of Chardonnay grapes that mature slowly under the Mâconnais sun in what is the prettiest part of Burgundy. Savory notes of acacia flowers, apple blossoms, forsythia, and freshly baked bread greet the nose. Yet, it is in the mouth that the 2020 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé truly begins to spread its wings, offering gentle, pure fruit flavors, pinpoint precision, and a delightfully refreshing mineral-driven acidity. Fresh, nuanced and eminently drinkable as always, Gilles Noblet’s 2020 Mâcon-Fuissé is a delight to drink now, yet it will continue to develop in bottle for at least two more years. For optimal enjoyment, we suggest moderate chilling (40°-45° F), before allowing the delightful 2020 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé to evolve slowly in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2024. Salut!

The 2020 Domaine Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé is equally satisfying as an aperitif as it is hosting the finest seafood, pasta, poultry, salads, and cheeses. Scallops sautéed in a light cream sauce with pistachio nuts, and crabmeat cocktails offer especially memorable pairings to Domaine Gilles Noblet’s elegant Mâcon-Fuissé. Flounder, stuffed with crabmeat, makes a wonderful partner, too. Baked or grilled grouper, sole, sea bass, and trout offer other fine choices. 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 also pair beautifully with Noblet’s tantalizing 2020 Mâcon-Fuissé. For a simple, easy to prepare accompaniment, consider serving a plate of select creamy cheeses such as Havarti, Appenzeller, Tome de Bourgogne, and San Joaquin Gold with thin slices of Pink Lady apples. Enjoy!

In 2020, the renowned Gilles Noblet has again fashioned several 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 sites in the region. Domaine Gilles Noblet is a small family owned and run estate of only 22 acres, and Gilles is the fourth generation member of his family to make wine at this prized property. Madame Noblet also comes from a traditional winemaking family and their daughter has now joined them as well, so wine and winemaking run deep in the heart and soul of the Noblet family as well as in the terroir of Noblet’s well-tended and superbly situated vineyards.

Domaine Gilles Noblet is also known as Domaine de la Collonge, which 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 (this month’s feature), Pouilly-Loché, and St. Véran – all elegant Mâcon wines from 100% Chardonnay vines.

Although not certified as 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 more generous and concentrated than many other Mâconnais whites. Gilles Noblet’s wines are classic white Burgundies.