Bottle Notes - 2023 "La Chevaliere" Blanc Pouilly-Fumé from Caves Pouilly-sur-Loire
Continuing my highlight of some of my favorite cooperative wineries, I’m once again here to talk about Caves Pouilly-sur-Loire in the French Loire Valley!
Pouilly-Fumé, a renowned appellation in the Loire Valley, has a history stretching back to antiquity.
The region’s viticulture began during the Roman era, with records indicating vineyard activity as early as the 5th century, when the area was known as Pauliacum super fluvium ligerim, a testament to its strategic position along the Loire River.
During the Middle Ages, Benedictine monks played a pivotal role in developing the vineyards, focusing on white wine production for sacramental use, which led to the expansion and improvement of local viticulture.
The area’s wines gained increasing prestige, particularly after the opening of the Briare Canal in 1642, which facilitated efficient transport to Paris and beyond.
The modern history of Pouilly-Fumé was shaped by both adversity and innovation. The vineyards suffered devastation from mildew and phylloxera in the late 19th century, leading to significant replanting on American rootstock in the early 20th century.
Following the French Revolution, land ownership shifted from the nobility and clergy to local peasants, further transforming the region’s wine culture.
In 1937, Pouilly-Fumé was officially granted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, cementing its reputation for producing dry, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc wines with the distinctive "gun flint" aroma attributed to the region’s unique soils.
Today, Pouilly-Fumé is celebrated internationally, with much of its production exported to markets such as Great Britain, the United States, and Japan.
Now, to the wine from the Cave!
This Pouilly-Fumé is made from 100% sauvignon blanc and soft gold in appearance. It has enticing notes of green apple, pear, white peach, gooseberry, freshly-cut grass, fresh basil, and oregano.
Round in body with crisp acidity, the wine is very aromatic and herbal, which is typical of high-quality sauvignon blanc.
This is a well-balanced and expressive wine.
Fresh green and whites fruits are paired with herbal and softly-grassy undertones, which any fan of aromatic wines will appreciate.
This would pair perfectly alongside mixed greens with sliced almonds and fresh goat cheese, a white bean soup, sauteed scallops, or grilled perch with fennel!
This 2023 vintage is still young, but showing well. I suggest drinking 2 to 8 years from vintage.
You can shop the wine here and follow Caves Pouilly-sur Loire on Instagram here.
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