Rijckaert F Rouve, Haute Cuvée, Mâconnais, Viré-Clessé, Burgundy, 2019

A great showcase for Viré-Clessé – an appellation which is a rising star in the Macônnais. This new AP (created 1999) is keeping neighbouring Pouilly-Fuissé on its toes, at substantially lower prices. Florent Rouve runs the estates of Jean Rijckaert and manages to coax masses of flavour, richness and character through a meticulous approach in the vineyard and winery. Low yields, manual harvesting, gentle pressing and long ageing all work together to add hints of gold in the glass, with luxurious notes of ripe stone fruit, honeysuckle on the nose, gentle oak flavours and fine acidity to keep the wine fresh and vibrant.