Wines Pouilly-fumé Domaine André Saujot - Les Terres Blanches - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Domaine André Saujot’s Pouilly-Fumé Cuvée Les Terres Blanches 2023 is a dry white wine crafted exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc, the region’s emblematic grape. This vintage stands out for its clarity, elegance and its precise expression of terroir. The “Les Terres Blanches” designation refers to the high content of Kimmeridgian limestone and clay in the vineyard soils — these mineral-rich soils imbue the wine with its hallmark flinty, smoky notes (“fumé”), lifted citrus fruit, and a saline edge that gives remarkable freshness on the palate. Domaine André Saujot is known for attentive winegrowing, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir to shine, with careful vinification in stainless steel, thus preserving the vivid aromatics and tension.

Pouilly-Fumé, situated in the heart of the Centre-Loire, faces Sancerre across the Loire river. The region’s cool, semi-continental climate ensures slow, even ripening, enhancing the Sauvignon Blanc’s natural vibrancy and aromatic character. Centuries-old viticultural tradition here has refined the style of Pouilly-Fumé, creating wines that express not just the typical varietal notes of grapefruit, gooseberry and cut grass, but also an unmistakable minerality. The interplay of river, varied aspects and soils, gives these wines nuance, finesse, and ageing potential.

This Pouilly-Fumé is a superb partner for seafood: think oysters, scallop carpaccio, or a classic Loire river pike with beurre blanc. It also elevates goat’s cheese, particularly Crottin de Chavignol from the region. Lightly grilled white asparagus, sushi, or a tartare of sea bass with citrus and herbs will highlight the wine’s zesty, saline vein. For a local pairing, try it with Loire fish quenelles or a goat’s cheese salad with walnuts and apple.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine well-chilled but not fridge-cold, ideally at 8-10°C. Pour into tulip-shaped white wine glasses to concentrate the delicate aromatics, and enjoy now for its lively fruit or after a year or two, when further complexity will develop.