PRODUCER: Domaine Guerrin et Fils
REGION: Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
WINEMAKERS: Bastien Guerrin
When you think of 'White Burgundy,' images of luxury and exclusivity often come to mind, especially with famous names like Meursault and Puligny Montrachet. However, tucked away in the Mâconnais, Domaine Guerrin et Fils are changing this perception, offering superb quality without the high-end price.
WINERY HISTORY:
Established in 1926, this family-run estate is nestled between two striking limestone cliffs, the Roche de Solutré and the Roche de Vergisson. These iconic rock formations not only create a stunning backdrop but also contribute to the unique terroir that defines their wines. In its fourth generation under the stewardship, the Guerrin family has been pivotal in elevating the reputation of Mâconnais Chardonnays since the 1980s. Now assisted by his children in the everyday operations of the Domaine, Guerrin continues to manage some of the best vineyard sites in this southernmost portion of Burgundy.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Spanning 35 small parcels over 14 hectares, the vineyards are a patchwork of diverse soils, each adding a distinct signature to their wines. Embracing 'lutte raisonnée,' a French term meaning 'reasoned struggle,' they adopt environmentally conscious practices, carefully balancing traditional and sustainable viticulture. Focus is placed on the deep rooting of vines, maintenance of low yields, and handpicking to ensure the ultimate expression of terroir. This approach ensures healthy vines and high-quality grapes while respecting nature.
This meticulous management extends to the winery, where fermentations are inoculated through natural yeasts, capturing the full essence of their flavours. Their Mâcon and St-Veran wines are fermented and aged in tanks to enhance their fresh and lively character. The Pouilly-Fuissé, particularly from prized sites like ‘Les Crays’, is aged in barrels for 12 months (including 15% new oak) to add subtle complexity and depth. All their cuvées spend up to a years ageing on their lees in oak barrels, adding richness and texture to the wines.
Constant innovation and research drive the Guerrin family, always with the goal of enhancing quality while honouring their land's unique character. The result is a range of wines that showcase finesse, purity, and balance. A brand-new winery has been built, right on time for Maurice’s son Bastien, who has just recently graduated from winemaking college.
IN THE PRESS
"Based in the village of Vergisson, Domaine Guerrin et Fils still flies under the radar, but it's an estate on the rise. Harvested by hand, fermented in stainless steel and oak barrels according to the cuvée and matured on the lees for a year, these are beautifully balanced, concentrated wines. Bastien Guerrin has been working with ambient yeasts, correspondingly longer fermentations and extended élevages, refining the domaine's barrel program too. These endeavors, among others, are bearing fruit in the form of wines of greater cohesion and quality. The [wines] come warmly recommended." - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
