Domaine Sylvaine & Alain Normand, Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, France 2022

Sylvaine and Alain Normand have been a vital artisanal force in the Mâconnais since the late 20th century, farming old parcels on the Roche Vineuse outcropping with a focus on viticulture, native ferments, and long, gentle élevages—standing in contrast to the large co-ops that dominate the region. In this century, Sylvaine inherited family vines, including prime parcels in Pouilly-Fuissé, and the domaine transitioned fully to organic farming. Their son Thomas joined in 2023 after completing enology studies, marking a new generation for the domaine.

• WINEMAKER: Alain, Sylvaine & Thomas Normand

• FARMING: Certified Organic in France (Ecocert; not USDA certified in the U.S.)

• VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay

• TERROIR: Parcels in Chaintré (70%) and Solutré. Chaintré’s vines grow on an east-facing slope at 180–218 meters. La Roche de Solutré, a 500m limestone escarpment, anchors the heart of the appellation. Soils are limestone-clay, giving both tension and depth to the wines.

• VINIFICATION: Native yeast fermentations. Gentle, slow vinification followed by a long élevage on the fine lees in vat. Rarely fined and often bottled without filtration.

• AGING: Extended time on lees in vat for added texture and structure.

• TASTING NOTES: Rich orchard fruits with spice and structure, balanced by limestone-driven tension. A compelling, mouth-filling Chardonnay with energy and finesse.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Roast chicken, lobster with drawn butter, creamy risottos, aged Comté, or tinned cockles with garlic and herbs.