Pouilly-Fume, Loire Valley, France
The great Francis Blanchet estate separates its wines based on their underlying terroirs. Blanchet’s Kriotine – grown on chalky Criot soils rich in limestone with small white stones strewn about the vineyard surface – reflects a brilliant green-tinged lemon-gold hue followed by classic Pouilly Fumé aromas of lime zest, white grapefruit, quinine, ginger, and crushed oyster shells. Beautifully balanced on the palate, the wine explodes with vibrant notes of green pineapple, grapefruit pith, lemon thyme, freshly grated ginger, and chalky minerals. Long, juicy, and appetizingly herbal, Blanchet’s Kriotine finishes with added suggestions of green apple skin, mint, freshly cut grass, and white pepper before leaving a dusting of chalky minerals on your lips and inner cheeks. This is sensational Pouilly-Fumé that seamlessly balances Pouilly’s richness and intensity with the freshness and focus of a fine Chavignol. Enjoy this classically-styled wine now and over the coming three years with trout amandine, perch in a beurre blanc sauce, pan roasted monkfish, clams or mussels, fresh chèvres, and asparagus in a hollandaise sauce.
A March 2022 newsletter selection
