Henri Bourgeois Pouilly Fume La Demoiselle 2019

Domaine Henri Bourgeois farms on both banks of the Loire, and La Demoiselle comes from Pouilly-Fume, the appellation facing Sancerre from the eastern side of the river. The name Fume points to the smoky, flinty character the region draws from its silex soils, bands of flint over Kimmeridgian limestone that give Pouilly its stony, mineral signature. The cool continental climate and the river's moderating influence keep the Sauvignon Blanc fresh, while the flint imparts a gunflint smokiness distinct from Sancerre's chalkier profile. The wine is aged ten months on its fine lees, which softens the acidity and builds a rounder, more textured palate. The colour is bright straw. The nose opens on white peach, ripe pear and citrus, with tropical hints and a clear smoky minerality behind. The palate is dry and structured, the fruit carried by a firm, stony line and a saline, persistent finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white-wine glass.