Dominique Cornin Pouilly-Fuissé Clos du Roy 2022

The Cornin family works organically from Chaintre, at the southern edge of the Maconnais in Burgundy, making wines across five appellations including this Pouilly-Fuisse from the Clos du Roy. The Maconnais is limestone country, and Chardonnay grown on these calcareous clay soils tends to combine ripe orchard fruit with a firm mineral cut. The south of Burgundy is warmer than the Cote d'Or further north, so the grapes reach fuller ripeness while the limestone and cool subsoil keep the wine fresh and structured. It is fermented and rested on its lees, a period of contact that releases mannoproteins from the spent yeast cells to build a rounder, creamier texture and a savoury depth beneath the fruit. The wine is bright gold, with a nose of pear, white peach and white flowers backed by a light hazelnut note. The palate is fuller than a Chablis but still driven by acidity, the fruit resting on a stony, mineral base that carries a long finish. Serve at 11 to 12 degrees in a white Burgundy glass. It suits roast chicken, quail, creamy fish dishes and softer cheeses.