The domain of Olivier and Corinne Merlin is located in the predestined village of Roche-Vineuse (literally: wine rock!) In the Mâconnais region. Burgundy, Mâcon and Beaujolais form the core range of the domain. Olivier studied oenology in Beaune and then worked as a cellar master in the Jura, where he met his wife Corinne. In 1985 he left for the California Napa Valley to vinify two volumes. At the beginning of 1987 he took over the 4.5 ha Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sortin. The old and dilapidated domain had been owned by the same family since 1750. Since then, the successful advance of Olivier and Corinne seems to be unstoppable. Olivier combines old wisdom, keen observation and hard work in the vineyards, with modern technology. An indispensable part of his philosophy is the abandonment of a grubbed and plowed vineyard for 4-5 years. No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used, and Moulin-à-Vent even works with old-fashioned horsepower in the vineyards. Nothing trendy bland, but pure old-fashioned healthy farmers' minds. The result can be summarized in four words: Balance, Purity, Complexity and Harmony

For the white Merlin Pouilly Fusé, the chardonnay grapes from each plot are harvested, pressed and vinified separately. After a slight natural settling, the alcoholic fermentation takes place in oak barrels (40%) and in stainless steel tanks (60%). After this initial fermentation, a long education on 'lies' (own fine sediment) begins with 'bâtonnage' (stirring and stirring the sediment for more fat, minerality and complexity) once a week. The malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously. The wines are in this way completely stable in structure before they can be bottled. No clearance takes place. A light filtration on fine silica (kieselguhr) is sometimes applied, if the harvest year requires it. Often this is not even necessary. This Pouilly Fuse is like a good burgundy should be with a beautiful light green gold color in the glass. On the nose, the wine is fresh and very aromatic with shades of white peach and pear and light citrus fruit. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is fresh and pure, smooth and fruity, round and generous, with remarkably pure minerality in the long finish.