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In the west of the Loire Valley, on the right bank, is located the vineyard that produces the Pouilly-fumé wine designation. It must not be confused with the Pouilly-Fuissé one, that is produced in Bretagne with the Chardonnay variety, or with its neighbour the Pouilly-sur-Loire that is made with the Chasselas variety. 

The Pouilly-fumé is named because of the greyish bloom that covers the ripe grapes. The Controlled designation of origin (AOC) Pouilly-fumé is only used to talk about white wines, made with Sauvignon Blanc. Indeed, the vineyard has been completely devastated by the phylloxera in the 19th century and has been fully replanted with Sauvignon. 

This grape variety has, in this area, a remarkable fruity expression, which is what the designation is renowned. Produced on the chalky soils that are so typical of the designation, these wines are fragrant (blackcurrant, boxwood) and delicate. 

Onflint soils, they get a smokier bouquet as well as the well-known gunflint aroma. These white wines offer a citrus bouquet, with orange, lemon and grapefruit notes but also herbal notes of mint and ferns. They are particularly outstanding in a match with a local product such as a crottin de Chavignol, a famous local cheese. 

Filtrer

Price

€10.00 - €60.00

Type

Color

Région Viticole

Vintage

Viticulture method

Food and wine

Medal awards

Variety

Alcohol content

Storage

Volume

Oygène

Oygène

Domaine Chollet Loire
€22.00
  • Without So2
Génetin

Génetin

Domaine Tinel-Blondelet Loire
€19.00
  • HVE
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AOC Pouilly-Fumé: Everything You Need to Know About the Wines of This Appellation

History of the AOC Pouilly-Fumé Appellation

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, AOC Pouilly-Fumé is a gem of the Centre-Loire. Like its neighbor, AOC Sancerre, the origins of viticulture in this region date back to the Gallo-Roman era. Over the centuries, this appellation has become a global reference, known for its dry white wines with unique expression and character.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Pouilly-Fumé Appellation

Climate: The region enjoys a temperate continental climate with oceanic influences, resulting in warm summers and cold winters.

Soils: The soils are mainly composed of Kimmeridgian marl, flint, and limestone, giving the wines their distinctive minerality.

Sauvignon Blanc: The Iconic Grape Variety of AOC Pouilly-Fumé

The emblematic grape variety of this appellation is Sauvignon Blanc. It imparts a typically fresh and fruity character to the AOC Pouilly-Fumé white wines, with notes of citrus and exotic fruits, allowing a perfect expression of the terroir.

Style of AOC Pouilly-Fumé Wine

Appearance: Pale yellow with green highlights.

Nose: The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of citrus (grapefruit), boxwood, often accompanied by a mineral touch reminiscent of flint or gunstone.

Palate: On the palate, AOC Pouilly-Fumé white wine is lively and precise, marked by a beautiful acidity and a long, persistent finish with mineral and subtly "smoky" notes.

Serving Temperature: 10°-12°C

Aging Potential: 2 to 5 years (up to a decade depending on the vintage and estate).

Best Food Pairings with AOC Pouilly-Fumé Wine

Follow our guide for the best food pairings with a bottle of dry white wine from an AOC Pouilly-Fumé estate or château:

  • Smoked salmon
  • Seafood platter (oysters, sea urchins, whelks)
  • Goat cheese (Crottin de Chavignol)
  • Loire pike in sauce