Nicolas Potel is as talented as he is indefatigable. He is the son of the late and equally talented Gérard Potel, who was the director of the excellent Pousse D’Or estate. Despite his comparative youth (Mr. Potel is only in his early forties), from 1998 – 2007, he was the proprietor of one of the most successful négociant (wholesale) houses in all of France. He is currently the owner of Domaine de Bellene in Beaune, an old winery that he is carefully and lovingly restoring, as well as converting his vineyards to organic cultivation.
Mr. Potel is an advocate of biodynamics, believing the life energy in the vineyard and cellar can influence the character and quality of the wines. His style of winemaking is very pure and focused. He vinifies with whole bunches when the stems are ripe. He is careful never to over extract or over oak his wines, allowing the character of the vineyard and vintage to shine through. The Nicolas Potel name on the label is a virtual guarantee of quality.
The Nicolas Potel 2011 Pouilly-Fuissé ($21.00 – $23.00 approx) is an elegant, beautifully balanced and complex wine that is alive with lush ripe fruit and a refreshingly crisp minerality. Benchmark in every respect. The Nicolas Potel 2011 Macon-Villages ($12.00 – $14.00 approx) is a pure un-oaked chardonnay that exhibits a more earthy character than the Pouilly-Fuissé… however, it is just as impressive. This is a wine that is reminiscent of a 1er Cru Chablis… but at a fraction of the price. Both wines are exceedingly food-friendly and perfect for warm weather quaffing.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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