La Soufrandiere

Domaine de la Soufrandière, located in the heart of Burgundy's Maconnais region, is helmed by the ambitious Bret Brothers, Jean-Philippe, and Jean-Guillaume. This family estate, acquired by their grandfather in 1947, was transformed from a local co-operative into a respected boutique winery in 2000. Respecting the estate's heritage, the brothers practice meticulous viticulture, considering every vine as an individual entity and engaging in low yield, organic, and biodynamic farming to emphasize their commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible winemaking.

The Bret Brothers' holdings are noteworthy, including 4 hectares of Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Quarts,” 0.55 hectares of Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Longeays” and 1 hectare of Mâcon-Vinzelles “Le Clos de Grand-Père.” An additional 5 hectares were added to their portfolio in 2016, expanding the range of their offerings with the inclusion of Saint-Véran “La Bonnode,” Pouilly-Fuissé “Les Chatenays,” “Les Vigneraies,” and a touch of Aligoté. These vineyards, aged between 33 and 80 years, bask in ideal positions halfway up or at the top of slopes, facing East or South-East, on iron-rich, crinoidal limestone soil formed over 180 million years ago.

The winemaking process itself is gentle and mindful, with the grapes handpicked at perfect ripeness, delicately crushed, and pressed for three hours. Fermentation takes place in seasoned casks or vats using native yeasts, with no new oak barrels in sight. Élevage varies from 11 to 17 months, contingent on the vineyard and vintage. The Bret Brothers produce vibrant, fresh, and age-worthy wines that effortlessly transmit the essence of their specific terroir to the glass, with total sulfur content well below the limits set by organic and biodynamic certifying bodies. Their intelligent approach to winemaking has earned them recognition from critics and connoisseurs alike, making their wines a treasured addition for any Burgundy enthusiast.