Tasted with Jean-Philippe Bret in Hurigny, 04 November 2022.
Domaine de la Soufrandière
125 Rue aux Bourgeois
71680 Vinzelles
Tel: +33 3 85 35 67 72
www.bretbrothers.com
More reports on La Soufrandière
Jean-Philippe on 2022:
“22 – Very happy for the simple reason that despite the dryness and heat of the year our clay-based soil gave us a proper volume. But the fermentations resemble those of 2018 and are/were very long – analytically all was good and you see it more with ‘natural’ fermenations, it’s possible that the local yeasts suffer more and are less effective in these warmer vintages. There have been plenty of malos underway while the sugar was not yet finished which can be critical for the volatiles. We have 6 cuvées from Beaujolais but we fermented fast as we’re scared of bret…”
Jean-Philippe on 2021:
Of course, we had lots of rain and the higher temperatures of the year were ‘only’ 27°C and in this case we had no problems with our fermentations! We, overall, we last about 30% – and it was a bit like chemical warfare – Organic or Biodynamic it was still 15 treatments against the mildew – so we still have lots of questions about our approaches… But as for the wines, what a magic vintage – tension, delicious – easy to vinify.”
The wines…
So long an outstanding producer – their 2021s only reinforce that – some truly great wines for their labels.
Soufrandière is domaine, ‘Bret’ are their Maison wines – there are almost 12 hectares of vines in the domaine and they buy the equivalent of another 8 hectares for the ‘Bret Brothers’ label. These bottled in July – but still, not all are bottled at the domaine:
2021 Bret Brothers, Mâcon-Chardonnay Les Crays
Old barrel elevage – it’s normally tank elevage but decided to use all their barrels in this short vintage
A nice width of freshness, slightly floral – not full power but very attractive. Hmm – big in the mouth lots of freshness and good energy attack – the fruit is slightly golden in style. Super.
North-facing vines but not frosted – the south-facing part had 80% losses as it was more advanced in growth.. 80% tank, 20% barrel elevage.
Oh, that’s a good nose – a nice vibration and noble reduction. Great SV – in every direction and dimension – mouth-filling, pure clean – bravo!
4 ha in Les Quarts and half of that goes to make this wine, the oldest vines go into the cuvée Les Quarts. One-third barrel elevage
Super depth and dimension of aroma again – such an invitation! Full, energetic – a mouthful of fun here – melting, growing juicy. Another great wine.
Vines at the foot of Vergisson on the rock surrounded by St.Veran – 35 year-old vines on the hillside.
Broad and deep too – an almost a faint low sulfur impression but there’s still a fine invitation here. Direct, mouth-watering, flowing – a cascade of brilliant flavour. Great, wine – just wait for the nose to catch up with the flavours!
And for the road:
Bret Nat 2021
Second vintage made.
Hmm – a nose with an enticing ripe apricot impression – still fresh – as apricots should be. Mouth-filling – of course with these bubbles – but with cushioned, fresh, flavours that are obviously full of energy. Long and really fine finishing – clean – ready for the next glass!