Maison Verget - Saint-Véran Terroirs de Davayé 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The Verget wine merchant is part of the Guffens-Heynen "trilogy," where Jean-Marie Guffens, supported by his loyal assistant Julien Desplans, has been applying proven methods to his elite estate since the 1980s, setting the global standard for Chardonnay. The spearhead here remains the Mâconnais, but purchases in the Chablis region are regular and, depending on the vintage, there are some fine vintages from the Côte de Beaune. Pre-order reservations are particularly wise as they offer the opportunity to purchase "non-terroir" wines with screw caps, proving that terroir is not always the determining factor in quality. Finally, it should be noted that this is the place to go for Guffens aux Tourettes and Verget du Sud wines, which offer unbeatable value for money, as discussed in the Rhône Valley section of this guide. An exemplary address.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

The Saint-Véran Terroirs de Davayé 2018 was vinified entirely in barrels this year, as the winery did not have enough space to ferment the wine in vats, so it has a more woody touch than usual, offering aromas of honeyed orchard fruits, spices, and praline. On the palate, the wine is dense, powerful, and structured, with lively acidity and a woody finish.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Jean-Marie Guffens has poured all his talent and high standards into this haute couture wine merchant, founded in 1990. Julien Desplans, a brilliant oenologist trained at Romanée-Conti, has been at the helm of Verget since 2012. Named Wine Merchant of the Year by the RVF jury in 2020, he is unanimously praised for his outstanding winemaking, his highly selective sourcing and the precision of his pressing and aging techniques. Let's salute these masterful 2019 wines.