Domaine de BelAir Pouilly Fumé 2023

Alcohol: 13.5%

Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Localisation: Pouilly sur Loire, Loire Valley, France

Tasting Notes: A taut, crisp wine with intense acidity and citrus flavors, this is still full of its mineral texture and tangy character.

The appellation Pouilly Fumé takes its name from both the main village of the area, Pouilly Sur Loire, and the main grape variety, Blanc Fumé, the local name for Sauvignon Blanc. It is called Blanc Fumé because in these vineyards the Sauvignon Blanc forms a grey or smokey-colored bloom on the grape skin at maturity. Additionally, the Sauvignon Blanc in Pouilly Fumé often exhibits an aroma of gunflint (pierre à fusil).

The Domain: The Domaine de Bel Air in Pouilly Fumé is a family estate that dates back to the 19th century. It is now run by Gérard Mauroy and his two children, the eighth generation to oversee the domaine. Together they farm 12 hectares according to the principles of “lutte raisonnée or minimal intervention. Grass is planted between the rows and grape bunches are thinned during the growing season in order to temper the vigor of the Sauvignon Blanc. Their vineyards are well situated on hillsides that overlook the Loire and have good exposure to the sun. The soils types found in their different parcels correspond well with the three main types found in Pouilly Fumé, namely marnes kimmeridgiennes, argilo-calcaire called locally caillotes and sables calcaires. Vinification is carried out in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks after the grapes have been very gently pressed. The wine rests “sur lie” until bottling in April. In this way, the domaine retains the freshness and typicity of their Blanc Fumé.