Claude Manciat Pouilly Fuisse Courtelong 21

For many years, Burgundy's southern section has played second fiddle to the Côtes de Beaune and Côtes de Nuits -- the more famous and more expensive neighbors to the north. Today this is no longer the case, and Southern Burgundy, especially the Macôn, now leads the way when it comes to exceptional quality at a great price.

 

The Macôn is all about Chardonnay, and for me, it's the epicenter of affordable Chardonnay from Burgundy. The most famous Chardonnay from this region is Pouilly-Fuissé and is produced in the area surrounding the two Macônnais villages of Pouilly and Fuissé.

 

Clos Noly is named after the oldest vineyard site belonging to the Manciat family. The family's winery is located in Chaintré; however, the family holdings include 23 hectares of vineyards in 5 different villages. The Domaine is meticulously run by 5th generation vigneron Marie-Pierre Manciat and practices sustainable viticulture.

 

The Clos Noly Courtelong is a terrific way to experience top-quality Pouilly-Fuissé at a super affordable price. As with all of Marie-Pierre's wines, there's tremendous attention to detail. Grapes are sourced from 40+-year-old vineyards parked on calcaire soils, and after fermentation, aging occurs in 85% stainless and 15% in one to three year used oak barrels. The result is precisely what I love in a White Burgundy -- a lovely balance of minerality and richness and a vibrant lift.