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Introducing To French White Wine From The Loire Valley
Aug 10, 2023

The upper Loire Valley is renowned for two iconic sub-regions dedicated to wine cultivation: Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre. The predominant grape variety thriving in these areas is Sauvignon Blanc.

These wines offer a captivating sensory experience, boasting a crisp, well-balanced acidity, and alluring aromas that captivate both the olfactory senses and the palate. While they may carry a slightly higher price tag compared to Sauvignon Blancs from other locales, the distinction is well justified.

Situated on opposite sides of the Loire River, Pouilly Fumé to the east and Sancerre to the west exhibit nuanced characteristics shaped by their respective terroirs. These wines, predominantly crafted without the influence of oak, showcase a remarkable structural elegance highlighted by fragrant hints of grapefruit and gooseberry, accompanied by subtle undertones of honey.

Pouilly Fumé's wines, nestled on the eastern bank, tend to possess a touch more fullness compared to their Sancerre counterparts.

A remarkable versatility in food pairings characterizes these wines, complementing an extensive array of seafood dishes and salads adorned with citrus or vinegar-based dressings. Notably, the time-honored combination of Sancerre with grilled goat cheese stands as a pinnacle delight for the palate.

While possessing a certain collectible allure, a well-aged vintage of these Upper Loire white wines can gracefully mature for up to a decade, though this may test their limits. Connoisseurs are advised to indulge in their splendor within the 4-6 year window for optimal enjoyment.

 

Sylvain Bailly Terroirs Sancerre 2022 $49.90 (UP $59.90)

Very pale yellow, shiny robe. Tender and delicate. Fine and fruity. Grapefruit and orange aromas. Frank, fresh and supple attack. Balanced palate, on the fruit. Citrus notes. Nice finish. 

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Culinary Recommendation: To serve 9 C -11 C. Good match with a whole meal. Ideal with spicy and exotic dishes (especially Asian cuisine). White and barbecued meats.

Award:
VIVINO 4.1

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Sylvain Bailly La Louee Sancerre Rouge 2018 $52

Garnet red colour, full of light. Red fruits aromas, cherry and blackcurrant, ruity, rich and structured. With red fruits, cherry (griotte) and raspberry flavours.

Grapes: 75% Sauvignon, 25% Pinot Noir

Culinary Recommendation: To serve 16 C - 18 C. Good match with grilled and roasted meats, small games. All sort of cheese.

Award:
VIVINO 3.9

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Sylvain Bailly Prestige Sancerre 2019 $68

Pale gold, clear and bright. Fruity, mineral, subtle white flowers aromas, peach and vanilla notes. Round and unctuous, honey notes with a mineral character. Lingering finish. 

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Culinary Recommendation: To serve 16 C - 18 C. Good match with Lobsters and fish in cream sauce. Nice pairing with Foie-gras.

Award:
VIVINO 4.3

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Andre et Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2020 $52

This wine is young, ripe with apple and citrus fruits and tangy, zesty acidity. The wine also has a strong herbaceous character that will soften while leaving behind a tight, mineral texture.

Awards
91 Wine Enthusiast

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Andre et Edmond Figeat "LES ORIGINES" 2021 $52

Grapes of Pouilly Fumé appellation comes from the grape Sauvignon once at maturity, are covered with a grey bloom, with a smoke colour. The « Fumé » name can also be explained by its mineral taste, characteristic of flint, coming from flint land.  Its ripe fruits aromas give it a mellow aspect and a long aftertaste much persistent.
We advise this vintage with fishes and white meats with sauce.

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Andre et Edmond Figeat XXL Pouilly-Fume 2020 $52

Pale lemon in colour. Ripe fruits aromas, Mellow and a long persistent aftertaste.

Sauvignon Blanc. To serve 10 C - 12 C. Good match with Fishes and white meats with sauce.

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André et Edmond Figeat Cuveè Prestige Pouilly-Fumè 2018 $58

Exotic fruits aromas. Delicate mineral notes in the back of the mouth.

Sauvignon Blanc. To serve 10 C - 12 C. Good match with toast of foie gras.

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Discover 3 Bottles Of Sauvignon Blanc from France and South Africa at $108 (UP $130)

Domaine Desroches Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2019 worth $36
Aaldering Sauvignon Blanc 2019 worth $42
Andre et Edmond Figeat "LES ORIGINES" 2021 worth $52

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