Marcel Couterier “Vielles Vignes”

Pouilly-Loché, Burgundy |  2021

Marcel Couturier comes from a long line of vignerons in the southern Mâconnais, where he is just one of four producers estate bottling in Mâcon-Loché. Working his family’s old chardonnay vines, he began estate-bottling in 2005 and has quickly made a name for himself throughout France. Descending from many generations of farmers in the Mâconnais, he is patient in the vineyard and the cellar, allowing time for each wine to reveal itself.

In total, Marcel farms 11 hectares of chardonnay vineyards in multiple appellations. Most of his vines are quite old, with many parcels exceeding 70 years of age and his “young” vines averaging 30 years in age.

His farming is meticulous, employing only certified-organic and biodynamic (pending certification in 2021) methods; he plows the soil to curtail weeds and believes the hard, poor clay soils greatly benefit from the aeration and the introduction of native organic materials. His farming style could be described as regenerative in that he has taken great care to improve the soil in each of the vineyards he farms. Being a traditional farmer, Marcel lets his chickens, geese, and guinea fowl roam the vineyards for natural pest control and to add valuable nitrogen to the poor Burgundian soils. As the summers become warmer, he keeps pushing his harvest dates earlier to maintain freshness and liveliness in the wine.

Marcel’s Pouilly-Loché comes from east-facing parcels with over 35-year-old chardonnay vines near the village of Loché. The vineyards are known for heavy clay calcareous soils, which give substance, grip, and longevity. The wines from Pouilly-Loché are structured and serious, architectural and firm.

The 2021 is so inviting and lovely, it tastes like sunshine in a glass. I would enjoy it with buttery crab- decadent, summery food to add to the luxurious quality of the wine.

White Burgundy fans - values like this don't come around very often, buy by the case!