Pouilly-Fume (not to be confused with the well-known Burgundy village of Pouilly-Fuisse), is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour: Sancerre. However, it really shouldn’t be as world class wines are crafted here that are well worth discovering! Discover everything you need to know on Pouilly-Fume, in our Loire Valley lowdown...
Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
Geography: Found in the central section (Centre Loire) of the Loire Valley, which is in fact located to the east of the region and about 400km inland from the Atlantic Ocean! Pouilly-Fume sits on the right bank of the Loire River, and Sancerre on the opposite side.
Climate: A continental climate with warm summers and cold winters are mitigated by the Loire, Cher, and Indre rivers.
Soil: A mixture of limestone (caillottes or terres blanches) and flint (silex), with the latter being more prominent and thus giving the wines their unique smoky/flinty character.
Style: Techniques vary between producers and so a range from fresh, clean, and bright examples to much fuller, richer, and rounded wines are produced. Some wines will be fermented and/or aged in oak, as well as some time on the lees. Generally, the wines are usually less pungent than Sancerre, with more smoky/flinty undertones.
We have a superb range of Pouilly-Fume just waiting to be unearthed… dive in and enjoy some of these superb Sauvignon Blanc’s with a difference!
credit: winefolly.com
We have a superb range of Pouilly-Fume just waiting to be unearthed… dive in and enjoy some of these superb Sauvignon Blanc’s with a difference!
Domaine Chatelain, 'Harmonie' Pouilly-Fume 2018
"Fresh, expressive aromas of passion fruit, citrus and melon. Enhanced on the palate with great purity and balance between the silky texture and a touch of grapefruit acidity and minerality."
Langlois-Chateau, Pouilly-Fume 2018
"Full, concentrated nose of lemon sherbet with a touch of herbaceousness. Complex palate with more citrus flavours. Weighty with good minerality. If you prefer a fuller, fatter style of Sauvignon then this is for you. Seriously impressive."
Chateau de Tracy, 'Mademoiselle de T' Pouilly-Fume 2022
"A wonderfully bright nose of lemon citrus and green apple fuse with a touch of freshly cut grass and honeysuckle. Clean and crisp on the palate with ample weight and concentration all underpinned by bright, linear acidity and precise finish of similar citrus fruit with added saline drive."
Chateau de Tracy, Pouilly-Fumé 2021
"Enticing aromas of lemon and grapefruit with hints of freshly cut grass, asparagus and tarragon. Medium-bodied with great texture and mouthfeel; so elegant and sophisticated thanks to a core of lemon, mango, and passionfruit with integrated smoky, white pepper spice on the linear finish. A classic Pouilly-Fumé that ticks all the boxes."
Chateau de Tracy, 'Haut Densité' Pouilly-Fumé 2019
"Rich and complex nose of pear, eucalyptus, citrus and white pepper with the softest hint of vanilla spice. Medium to to full-bodied on the palate; dense and rounded yet balanced thanks to a vibrant, uplifting streak of mineral acidity that flows into similar lemon, grapefruit, and pineapple. Gentle vanilla and pepper spice infusion on long, mineral finish seals the deal. Bravo."
Chateau de Tracy, '101 Rangs' Pouilly-Fumé 2017
"Captivating aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and gooseberry with a gentle floral elderflower and broom lift. Chiselled and sculpted on the palate with impressive focus and clarity; such tension and verve running through the backbone of this wine. A more complex core of citrus and exotic fruit underpinned by toasted almonds and vanilla spice on the marathon finish. Très bon.
de Ladoucette, Pouilly-Fume 2022
"The nose develops a natural range of subtle floral and earthy green plant aromas such as acacia, ferns, peppermint and white nettles. Notes of stony minerals and lemon give the wine a beautiful structure balanced by a fruity roundness, with a finish marked by hints of citrus fruits."
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