Pouilly-Fume 'Les Chaumierres' 2019, A&E Figeat

Description

Introduction

A true classic! This wine oozes class and elegance. Made by family winemakers going back six generations.

Background

Educated in Beaune and having completed several stages in and around Burgundy, André Figeat is now the sixth generation of his family to make wine at the family estate.  As a 2 year old, André fell into a vat of freshly pressed juice while helping his father Edmond, and had to be rescued – but not before having a good taste. A vigneron was born! The Figeats are amongst the oldest families of winemakers in Pouilly, but this does not mean that they are old fashioned: having recently installed a brand new, ultra-modern winery, they make the most of their exceptional terroir and grapes to make the very best wine possible.

The AOC (appellation d’origine controlee) of Pouilly-Fumé is located at the eastern end of the viticultural Loire, in the area known as the Central Vineyards across the river from equally famous winemaking village Sancerre. In terms of production quantity, Pouilly-Fumé is a small appellation, but quality is incredibly high and the wines are celebrated throughout the world. With similar soils to Sancerre, the wines have a distinctive smokiness due to the high proportion of flint in the soils, otherwise known as ‘silex’. (‘Fumé’ means smoky)  Pouilly Fumé is made using only Sauvignon Blanc grapes and can often benefit from a year or two in bottle to fully develop its subtle flavours and textures.

Vineyard information

Location The Central Vineyards at the east of the Loire Valley around the town of Pouilly-Sur-Loire.

Climate is continental: summers are warm, winters are cold and there is a risk of hail and spring frosts, requiring meticulous attention in the vineyard.

Soil Chalky, rich in marine fossils and well-draining, but with notable proportion of flint (silex) which adds a distinctive smoky (fumé) character to the wine.

Philosophy Organic viticulture and vinification, though not certified.

Winemaking Details

Grape Variety 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Fermentation Grapes from different vineyard plots are vinified separately in stainless steel and enamelled vats, for optimum freshness and to maximise the individual character of each plot.

Tasting Note

With smoky greengage, grapefruit and nettle on the nose combined with zesty lime, yellow plum and elderflower on the palate, this wine is multi-layered and exceptionally elegant.

Summary