The Sauvignon Blanc grape can produce wines ranging from steely austerity to citrus zestiness.  In the Loire Valley of France, this grape is the queen of the white wine varietals, producing two of its most well known appelations, though more Chenin Blanc is grown overall.  The regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé sit in the eastern part of the valley, across the Loire River from each other.  Sancerre sits to the West, Pouilly-Fumé to the east.  Sancerre produces delicate wines with a pronounced minerality.  Pouilly-Fumé wines offer more rounded, fuller flavors of the grape.

This Blanchet 2007 comes out of a small 8-acre winery in the heart of the Pouilly-Fumé region, and goes wonderfully with fish and seafood.  It would also complement summer salads with bitter greens and vinaigrette dressings, but not likely those with fruit.  I can also see this pairing well with pastas tossed with vegetables or seafood, dressed with olive oil.

Details:

Name: Gilles Blanchet 2007 Pouilly-Fumé
Type: White
Country: France
Region: Loire
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $17

My score: 90 points (out of 100) – Intriguing, somewhat complex, makes me want more.

Notes:

Color: straw yellow

Nose: The first thing that hits me is the clean citrus smell.  Underneath the lemony fruitiness is a grassy note, almost asparagus-tips in its green-ness.  There’s a steely/flinty/smoky minerality that’s noticeable as the other aromas fade.  It’s not a lush aroma, but it’s clean and enticing.

First Taste: The initial impression I get is one of restrained fullness.  The primary flavors are tart apple, lemon zest, and tangerine rind.  The green component in the nose is manifesting itself here in combination with the citrus to give almost a lemongrass – or white tea with lemon – feel.

Second Taste: The primary fruits are still there and asserting themselves.  I like this – it shows that the cleanness and bright acidity leave my palate fresh, and the wine isn’t tiring out my sense of taste.  The body is good – a solid medium mouthfeel.  The fruit on the initial attack fades through the green components and a stony/flinty stage to a crisp acidity on the back end with the lingering impression of the citrus and apple.

Impressions: I definitely want to drink this again.  The central elements were all very consistent and well balanced, and every time I picked up the glass I noticed a slightly different nuance.  This wine held my interest, and asked me politely to pay attention to every sip.

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Posted in Drink, Wine , Tags French, Loire, review, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine