Guillot-Broux

Why Guillot-Broux is Essential

Of Burgundy's five main areas — Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Challonais and Mâconnais — the Mâconnais seems to get the most overlooked in the press these days. Perhaps that's because Pouilly-Fuissé, it's leading appellation, peaked during the years when tasting oak was all the rage. Or maybe it has to do with the fact that the Mâconnais possesses the region's warmest climate, which can easily translate into Burgundy's most blown-out wines if a producer is not careful.

Now think of the exact opposite, and that's what you'll find with the wines of Domaine and Maison Guillot-Broux. These are Burgundian wines that want to be opened young, although they could go some distance. They will never blast you with piña colada-like aromas or mimic their California Pinot pals with their brawn. Rather, they are subdued wines whose gentle genius takes time to emerge in the glass. An added bonus: they're better priced than many domestic wines of the same caliber.

Wines to Seek Out

There are essentially two wineries here that I am lumping under the common family name Guillot-Broux: Domaine Guillot-Broux, which produces acutely focused Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay wines from a variety of plots around the Mâconnais; and the négociant house, Maison Guillot-Broux, which produces regional wines with the same amount of care. The same family runs both and they share a similar brand. More importantly, I've tasted wines from both and eagerly endorse them.

All of the wines are organic, as this is one of the earliest estates in Burgundy to embrace the modern organic ethos.

Domaine Guillot-Broux "Les Combettes" Mâcon-Chardonnay

"Les Combettes" is an oh-so-subtle Mâcon-Chardonnay that whispers tones of light pineapple, pear and ginger spice. This wine is as easy to enjoy as an early summer ride on a cruiser bike.

Domaine Guillot-Broux "Les Genièvrières" Bourgogne Rouge

The Pinot Noir from "Les Genièvrières" (place of junipers) is nimble, light and ever-so-inviting with its aromatic suggestions of raspberry, spiced cherries and sweet almond. The French often talk about “gastronomy wines” — a fancier way of saying food-friendly — and this agile rouge demonstrates that concept beautifully.

Maison Guillot-Broux Mâcon-Villages

This selection from their négociant house, Maison Guillot-Broux, shows that Chardonnay “entry-level” Chardonnay wines from Burgundy don’t have to be pop stars. Immensely lean yet still complex, it has an herbal crunch to its tones that is more reminiscent of Alsace than Burgundy.