Domaine Poulleau, Côte de Beaune Blanc ‘La Grande Châtelaine’ 2020

£37.49

Of the wines produced by Domaine Poulleau, whites make up around 7% of total production – vintage dependent, of course. This remarkable White Burgundy comes from a small plot of just 0.19 hectares. At more than 300 metres above sea level, the plot lies above even the vineyards that make up the exclusive Beaune Premier Cru appellation. The classifications were instituted in 1936, however we have since seen great change in climate, particularly in the last 20 years. Now, altitude has a high impact on quality and style even in the cooler sites of Burgundy and so naturally, this white wine has elegance, poise and restraint with fresh green and red apple, pear, and honeydew melon at the core. The wine spends a year in oak, around 20% of which is new, giving it a wonderful breadth on the palate without masking the bright and fresh fruit character. It has great length and persistence; taut and firm but generous, with hints of ripe peach, apple blossom, and freshly baked bread to finish.