Domaine Serge Laloue Pouilly-Fumé Blanc 2023

Domaine Serge Laloue Pouilly-Fume Blanc is a single-variety Sauvignon Blanc from AOC Pouilly Fume in the Loire Valley, made by Domaine Serge Laloue at Thauvenay from around 20 hectares of vines. The grapes grow on clay-limestone soils studded with flint, the silex that gives Pouilly-Fume its name and its characteristic gunflint, smoky edge. The cool continental Loire climate and the high acidity of Sauvignon Blanc give the wine its cutting freshness, while the stony soils drain freely and stress the vines toward more concentrated, mineral fruit. The grapes are traditionally vinified in stainless steel tanks and ferment with their native yeasts, which preserves varietal purity, and the wine then ages on its lees for three to six months to add texture and a savoury depth without any oak. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose shows lemon, green apple and white flowers over citrus peel and a distinct flinty, smoky note. The palate is crisp and precise, with green citrus fruit, a saline minerality and a long, taut finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees. It suits shellfish, white fish and fresh goat cheese.