Introduction to French Wine In Burgundy From Sophie Cinier
Mar 01, 2022
Domaine Sophie Cinier is a small family estate of just 2.33 hectares. All vineyards are around Fuissé, which is a 15-minute drive from Mâcon.
Sophie’s family estate produced its first wines in 2000, but her family on her mother’s side of the family has lived in Fuissé and been involved in wine production since at least the time of her grandfather. The vines were planted in 1941 and came under Sophie’s control in 1998.
There is a lovely range of different styles from this family estate. The vineyard area has recently expanded to a new vineyard of 1.2 hectares in Igé, 10 miles north of her home in Fuissé. It’s planted with a hectare of Chardonnay for two new wines, a Bourgogne Blanc and a Mâcon Villages Le Clos, and 0.2 ha is planted with Pinot Noir. Unlike the large parts of the Mâconnais where machine harvesting is the norm, Sophie’s vineyard work is entirely manual.
Next to the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation is the considerably smaller Pouilly-Vinzelles. While the former covers 761 hectares, the latter just covers 43 hectares and Sophie Cinier’s holdings there are tiny. The parcel that produces her Pouilly-Vinzelles, Les Longeays is just 0.13 ha.
In a good year she makes between 600 and 700 bottles, says Sophie Cinier. The vines were planted in 1905. Obviously not all vines have survived over the years. Some have been replanted. The parcel is mid-slope, facing east. There is clay and some limestone. The soil is very deep, more than two metres. The elevage is 18 to 24 months in barrels and she uses between 15 and 20 per cent of new oak.
Domaine Sophie Cinier Macon-Villages 'Les Clos' 2020 $48
Fresh, elegant dry white wine from a tiny domain in the south of Burgundy. The 3.5 hectares of vineyards are located in and around the municipality of Fuisse. The passionate winemaker/oenologist Sophie Cinier makes beautiful, flawless Chardonnay's.
Award:
VIVINO 4.2
Domaine Sophie Cinier Pouilly-Vinzelles 2020 $58
Deep golden yellow, bright and clear. Nose of quince, of stewed stone fruits (peach, apricot), well present minerality. Round, ample, on aromas of fresh butter, sweet spices (vanilla, cardamon). Long, slightly oaky finish.
Award:
VIVINO 4.2
Domaine Sophie Cinier Vire-Clesse 2018 $58
Full, dry white wine from a tiny domain in the south of Burgundy. The 3.5 hectares of vineyards are located in and around the municipality of Fuisse. The passionate winemaker / oenologist Sophie Cinier makes beautiful wines
The nose is fresh with notes of citrus fruits and white flowers. The taste is fresh, with aromas of grapefruit, lemon, fennel. Nice length and good grip.
Award:
VIVINO 4.0
Domaine Sophie Cinier Saint-Véran 'A La Côte' 2020 $58
Aromas of white flowers, lemon curd, fresh nuts, crushed stones. Plush, fruity, refined. Perfect alongside grilled chicken, soft-rind French cheeses, and sushi.
Award:
VIVINO 4.0
Domaine Sophie Cinier Classic Pouilly-Fuisse 2020 $68
All wines are crystal clear examples of their respective appellations. The smaller wines such as Burgundy Chardonnay and Macon wines are fermented and stored in steel tanks to preserve their mineral expression along with the fine fruit as best as possible. The larger wines from Pouilly-Fuissé are vinified and aged in older casks, and Vers Crâs aged in a blend of 10% new casks, the rest aged casks.
Award:
VIVINO 4.1
Domaine Sophie Cinier Collection Pouilly-Fuisse 2020 $68
A lot of peach and citrus, mineral notes, smooth and buttery on pallet. Good pouilly fuisse
Award:
VIVINO 4.2
Domaine Sophie Cinier Pouilly-Vinzelles 'Les Longeays' 2017 $68
The style is rich, textured and balanced with a lively, citrusy acidity. There are oaky notes but these sit in the background behind a weight of ripe fruit which gives a concentrated and long lasting flavour.
Award:
VIVINO 4.1
