I'm not entirely sure why, but I can't remember the last time I purchased a bottle of Pouilly-Fuisse. I like Chardonnay and I love white Burgundy. Pouilly-Fuisse fits both of these criteria: 100% Chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France. For whatever reason, though, Pouilly-Fuisse had fallen off my wine purchasing radar until a recent trip to France.

The Cave de Chaintre is the producer of a number of excellent value, fresh, dry, fruity Chardonnay wines. The star of the Cave de Chaintre is without a doubt their single vineyard Pouilly-Fuisse, Clos Reissier.

This property makes Pouilly-Fuisse from a vineyard dating back to Roman times. It has been called Clos Reissier for more than 200 years and is one of the most famous vineyards in the Pouilly-Fuisse region.

We tasted the 2008 Clos Reissier and the combination of bright fruit, a bit of toasty oak and mineral notes on the finish makes this absolutely classic for the appellation. It also put Pouilly-Fuisse back on my wine purchasing radar. Look for the 2008 Clos Reissier at a store near you.

Paul Quaglini, Wine Supervisor, SE Florida