Presentation
The history of Domaine Pascal Renaud began in 1927 when Jean Renaud and his wife settled in Pouilly as tenant farmers. In 1973, their son Émile Renaud took over with his wife Germaine, and in 1986, after Émile's premature death, Pascal Renaud decided to continue the estate with his mother. Starting in 1998, Pascal and his wife Mireille bought the vineyard and invested in an additional estate in Charnay-lès-Mâcon, thus expanding their range of terroirs. Modernization followed: in 2005, the estate was equipped with bottling and labeling machines, gaining autonomy. In 2009 and 2012, their children Guillaume and Amandine joined the family adventure, bringing a new vision and consolidating the estate. Today, production is mainly focused on white wines made from Chardonnay, vinified with precision to capture the full expression of the Mâconnais terroirs. The standout feature? Smooth family transmission and controlled growth, allowing homogeneous and high-quality production.
Location
The Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru “Les Ménétrières” from Domaine Pascal Renaud is a refined and profound expression of Burgundian Chardonnay, crafted from an exceptional terroir in the heart of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.
Terroir
The Les Ménétrières climat benefits from well-drained, mineral-rich clay-limestone soils, offering a delicate balance of power, finesse, and minerality.
In the vineyard
Viticulture is conducted with rigor and environmental respect. The estate practices careful vineyard work—pruning, leaf thinning, and green harvesting—to promote optimal, even ripening, while preserving the natural energy and health of the grapes.
Harvest
The grapes are hand-harvested, allowing for precise selection at peak ripeness—ensuring a healthy and expressive raw material, perfectly suited for crafting fine white wines.
Winemaking
After careful sorting, the grapes are gently pressed. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and/or oak barrels, with precise temperature control to preserve the aromatic richness and finesse of the fruit. Winemaking intervention is kept minimal, in the spirit of a refined and controlled approach.
Ageing
The wine is aged in French oak barrels, some of which are new or lightly used, to add volume, complexity, and structure without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. Ageing typically lasts 10 to 14 months, with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to integrate the wine’s components and refine its texture.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 75 years old
Serving
Ideal temperature: 11–13 °C
Serve in a large white wine glass to fully express the wine’s complex aromatic bouquet.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
On the nose, this Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru “Les Ménétrières” captivates with its refined aromatic profile, combining notes of ripe white fruits (pear, peach), citrus zest, and delicate floral touches. With age, more complex aromas of brioche, toasted hazelnut, light honey, or fresh butter may develop, reflecting a subtle and well-integrated oak influence.
On the palate, the attack is broad and precise, leading to a dense yet elegant texture. The balance of vibrant acidity, mineral tension, and roundness gives the wine remarkable harmony. The finish is long and persistent, supported by a fine salinity and a refined aromatic richness.
Food pairings
With its aromatic richness, mineral tension, and generous palate, this great Burgundian Chardonnay pairs perfectly with subtle, structured gastronomy. It beautifully complements noble fish such as roasted sea bass, turbot with lemon sauce, or sole in beurre blanc. It also brings out the finesse of seared scallops, langoustines, or even lightly grilled lobster. On the land side, it is ideal with farm-raised chicken in cream sauce, mushroom risotto, or tender roast veal.
It also pairs exquisitely with aged pressed cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, or aged Gruyère, and can be served from the very start of the meal as a gourmet apéritif, accompanied by warm gougères, refined ceviche, or a few iodized toasts for an elegant and expressive opening.