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 trusted right-hand man Julien Desplans, applies the tried-and-true methods he has used on his elite estate since the 1980s—methods that serve as a global benchmark for Chardonnay. The flagship region here remains the Mâconnais, but the company regularly purchases wines from the Chablis region, and, depending on the vintage, offers fine cuvées from the Côte de Beaune. Pre-release reservations are particularly wise, as they offer the opportunity to purchase “terroir-neutral” wines in screw-cap bottles—proof that terroir isn’t always the sole determinant of quality. Finally, it’s worth noting that this is the place to stock up on Guffens aux Tourettes and Verget du Sud—at unbeatable value for money—which are featured in the Rhône Valley section of this guide. An exemplary shop.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2018 Saint-Véran Terroirs de Davayé was aged entirely in barrels this year, as the winery did not have enough space to ferment the wine in tanks; as a result, it has a more oaky character than usual, offering aromas of honeyed orchard fruits, spices, and praline. On the palate, the wine is dense, powerful, and well-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 winemaker trained at Romanée-Conti, has been at the helm of Maison Verget since 2012. Named “Wine Merchant of the Year” by the RVF jury in 2020, the house is unanimously praised for its unparalleled winemaking, highly selective sourcing, and the precision of its pressing and aging processes. Let’s celebrate these 2019 vintages, a true testament to the house’s mastery.