Pouilly Fume : The best Sauvignon from Loire Valley France
What Is So Special About Pouilly-Fumé !
It is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes and one of the France’s Loire Valley wines admired by connoisseurs.
Pouilly Fumé hails from the upper reaches of the Loire River. Pronounced POO-ee foo-MAY, it is easily confused on the shelf with Pouilly Fuissé (that’s POO-ee foo-SAY), an appellation in Burgundy that specializes in Chardonnay.
The vineyards that comprise this distinct appellation are located in the vicinity of Pouilly-sur-Loire, almost entirely on the eastern flank of the river. The climate here is more continental than downstream where you will find other well-regarded Loire white wines such as Vouvray and Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, but the real factor in what makes Pouilly-Fumé unique lies underground. Here, limestone and flinty clay impart the wine with a smokey quality (“fumé”). That — paired with a richness and depth in warm vintages — transforms this version of Sauvignon Blanc into something extraordinary and unique.
Pouilly-Fumé and it’s twin sister Sancerre produced across the river boast many of the same qualities, and given that Sauvignon Blanc is not really the most “site expressive” grape, it has been noted by several critics that it can be difficult to draw distinctions between these two wines. In fact, variance might be more easily chalked up to the diligence (or negligence) of the winemaker.
Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre have one thing common, known as fresh wines that nicely balance umami and salty flavors, and they are worth drinking in the first year or two of their release. No need to age them to see their best stuff.
Pouilly-Fumé has been an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) since 1937. Today a large part of the production is sold overseas. .
The Nièvre vineyard here in the valley is spread over 3,000 acres, with 120 winemakers annually producing approximately 1,860,000 US gal.
If you love Sauvignon Blanc , give this version a try. The typical and sometimes awkward) “grassy” note associated with New World Sauvignon Blanc is dialed down here and replaced by a pleasing bit of herbs, as well as a sharp smokiness.You’ve had good luck with other French white wines – If, generally speaking, you find many French white wines to be palate-cleansing and food-friendly, then you’ve come to the right place.You just want a white wine that’s unique without being overbearing.
My first taste came with the 2017 Pouilly Fumé Fournier Pete Et Fls. From the first whiff and sip, I was impressed. This Sauvignon Blanc didn’t assault the senses. There was a brilliant golden color to the wine, and the fragrance coming from the glass recalled apricots, heather, white flowers and a bit of matchstick !
This wine also has brilliance in its texture.
It is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes and one of the France’s Loire Valley wines admired by connoisseurs.
Pouilly Fumé hails from the upper reaches of the Loire River. Pronounced POO-ee foo-MAY, it is easily confused on the shelf with Pouilly Fuissé (that’s POO-ee foo-SAY), an appellation in Burgundy that specializes in Chardonnay.
The vineyards that comprise this distinct appellation are located in the vicinity of Pouilly-sur-Loire, almost entirely on the eastern flank of the river. The climate here is more continental than downstream where you will find other well-regarded Loire white wines such as Vouvray and Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, but the real factor in what makes Pouilly-Fumé unique lies underground. Here, limestone and flinty clay impart the wine with a smokey quality (“fumé”). That — paired with a richness and depth in warm vintages — transforms this version of Sauvignon Blanc into something extraordinary and unique.
Pouilly-Fumé and it’s twin sister Sancerre produced across the river boast many of the same qualities, and given that Sauvignon Blanc is not really the most “site expressive” grape, it has been noted by several critics that it can be difficult to draw distinctions between these two wines. In fact, variance might be more easily chalked up to the diligence (or negligence) of the winemaker.
Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre have one thing common, known as fresh wines that nicely balance umami and salty flavors, and they are worth drinking in the first year or two of their release. No need to age them to see their best stuff.
Pouilly-Fumé has been an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) since 1937. Today a large part of the production is sold overseas. .
The Nièvre vineyard here in the valley is spread over 3,000 acres, with 120 winemakers annually producing approximately 1,860,000 US gal.
If you love Sauvignon Blanc , give this version a try. The typical and sometimes awkward) “grassy” note associated with New World Sauvignon Blanc is dialed down here and replaced by a pleasing bit of herbs, as well as a sharp smokiness.You’ve had good luck with other French white wines – If, generally speaking, you find many French white wines to be palate-cleansing and food-friendly, then you’ve come to the right place.You just want a white wine that’s unique without being overbearing.
My first taste came with the 2017 Pouilly Fumé Fournier Pete Et Fls. From the first whiff and sip, I was impressed. This Sauvignon Blanc didn’t assault the senses. There was a brilliant golden color to the wine, and the fragrance coming from the glass recalled apricots, heather, white flowers and a bit of matchstick !
This wine also has brilliance in its texture.
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