Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet les Folatières Premiere Cru 2002

Winemaker's Notes:

The central part of the Côte de Beaune comprises an area predestined to produce great white wines, and Puligny-Montrachet is certainly one of its most glorious examples. Among its Premier Crus, the vineyard of Les Folatières is one of its most famous, occupying a central position on the higher part of the slope, next to Les Pucelles and Clavoillons. The soil of Les Folatières is very chalky and stony : a great part is actually limestone debris, which encourages good drainage. The Chardonnay is the unique grape variety used to produce these great white wines. The House of Joseph Drouhin brings to the making of these wines its utmost care, in the respect of tradition. At the time of harvest, usually around mid-September, the grapes are hand-picked in small cases and then brought to the winery "en Chavet", in Beaune. The grapes are gently pressed. The juice settles down for a few hours before going into oak barrels. Once the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are completed, the wine is racked off its lees. It is aged in oak barrels for 9 to 10 months. "Les Folatières" shares with the other wines of Puligny its distinguished and distinctive aromas of fern, honeysuckle and toasted bread. Due to its position, there is also a characteristic "goût de terroir", a firm backbone and the proven ability to age very well. Although the wines are very pleasant when young, they can be kept for a long time, 6 to 8 years in a normal vintage, up to 15 years for a great vintage. Like all great white wines, Puligny-Montrachet Folatières deserves to accompany the best fish and shell fish dishes, such as lobster or crabmeat in a light wine sauce, salmon, trout or Dover Sole simply grilled or poached. The wine should be served no colder than 13°C (57°F).