Domaine de la Soufrandière - Saint-Véran La Bonnode Cuvée Zen 2024

The Bret brothers, who are never short on ideas or ingenuity, have become a benchmark in the Mâconnais region thanks to their keen mastery of biodynamics. Most vineyard work is done by hand, with the exception of plowing and treatments (which are done by tractor or horse), and their vineyards have become a testing ground for INRA researchers. La Soufrandière is the family’s 11-hectare estate, now Demeter-certified. Bret Brothers is the wine-trading arm, sourcing grapes to produce 15 micro-cuvées (ten of which are certified organic). The wines are consistently remarkable in their vitality, great purity, and unparalleled drinkability. One of the region’s standout estates—a name you can trust.

Domaine La Soufrandière is the family estate of the dynamic brothers Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret (for reviews of their wine merchant venture, see Bret Brothers), where they produce beautifully silky, pure, flavorful, and expressive wines. Grown organically and harvested by hand, the grapes are pressed whole-cluster before fermentation in barrels, and the wines often complete their aging on lees in stainless-steel tanks to preserve their structure.

The Bonnode offers even greater purity, enhanced by notes of citrus zest and green apple.

Acquired by Jules Bret in 1947, the La Soufrandière estate marked the beginning of the Bret brothers’—Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume—career in Vinzelles, starting with the 2000 vintage. From that point on, the decision to adopt biodynamic farming was a natural choice. They received Demeter certification in 2006 and have continued to experiment both in the vineyard and in the cellar to bring out the best in their terroirs with meticulous care. Wines with little or no sulfur are marked with the word “Zen” on the label. Alongside the estate, a bespoke wine merchant business was established in 2001—Bret Brothers—which is, of course, featured in our guide.

The 2024 Saint-Véran “Climat La Bonnode” is aged in used French oak barrels. Here again, it needs time to open up, eventually revealing lovely aromas of orange blossom, freshly cut pear, and a very subtle hint of licorice. The palate is well-balanced, with a lively attack, a fairly tart and peppery character, and a finish that is more astringent than that of the “La Combe Desroches” cuvée. Very refined. 2026–2036

A very good white wine that reveals purity and minerality. Precise, crystalline aromas of lemon zest and stone. Medium- to full-bodied, refreshing and enticing, with a hint of saltiness on the finish. Aged 20% in oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel tanks. Made from grapes grown using Demeter-certified biodynamic farming methods. Delicious now, but will continue to improve with age.