Guffens-Heynen
Summary
Guffens-Heynen is a small family-owned estate in Burgundy's Mâconnais region, producing approximately 2,000 cases annually of terroir-driven Chardonnay from 5 hectares of high-elevation limestone vineyards in Vergisson and Pierreclos. Their traditional approach combines hand-harvesting, whole-cluster pressing, and extended lees aging without batonnage, resulting in precisely crafted wines that express the distinctive mineral character of their sites with remarkable tension and aging potential.
Heritage & Leadership
Guffens-Heynen was established in 1979 when Belgian-born Jean-Marie Guffens and his wife Maine Heynen purchased their first vineyard parcels in the village of Vergisson, located in Burgundy's Mâconnais region. The couple, who had no prior family history in winemaking, began with modest holdings and a determination to produce distinctive white wines that would challenge the perception of the Mâconnais as a source of merely simple wines. While maintaining Guffens-Heynen as their estate operation, Jean-Marie and Maine also founded Verget in 1990, a separate négociant business that sources grapes from various growers throughout Burgundy. The domaine has remained under their continuous ownership and direction since its founding, with Jean-Marie serving as winemaker and Maine managing business operations. Their daughter Margaux has gradually taken on responsibilities at the estate, representing the next generation of leadership.
Vineyards & Wines
Guffens-Heynen maintains approximately 5 hectares of vineyards, primarily in the communes of Vergisson and Pierreclos within the Mâconnais. Their holdings include parcels in several Pouilly-Fuissé climats, with vineyards situated on the limestone-rich slopes of the Mont de Pouilly and the Roche de Vergisson. The estate's vineyards are planted exclusively to Chardonnay, with vine ages ranging from 20 to over 60 years. The vineyards benefit from elevations between 250 and 350 meters, with many parcels featuring southeastern exposures that capture morning sunlight while avoiding the most intense afternoon heat. The domaine's portfolio includes several single-vineyard Pouilly-Fuissé bottlings, Mâcon-Pierreclos wines, and a Mâcon-Villages. Production remains deliberately small, typically yielding between 1,500 and 2,000 cases annually across all cuvées.
Philosophy & Practice
Jean-Marie Guffens approaches viticulture with meticulous attention to vineyard management, focusing on achieving optimal ripeness through careful canopy management and yield control. In the cellar, he employs a minimalist intervention philosophy while maintaining precise technical standards. Harvesting is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. The white wines undergo whole-cluster pressing, followed by settling of the must for 12-24 hours before fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in oak barrels, with approximately 20-30% new oak depending on the cuvée and vintage. Guffens avoids batonnage (lees stirring) in most vintages, preferring to let the wines develop clarity and precision without this intervention. Malolactic fermentation proceeds naturally, and the wines typically age on their lees for 12-18 months before bottling without fining and with minimal filtration only when necessary. This approach results in wines that express their specific terroirs with clarity and definition, characterized by tension between fruit concentration and mineral structure.