Serge Dagueneau Pouilly Fume 2016

This branch of the Dagueneau family headed by father Serge is based in Saint Andelain and owns 17 hectares of old vineyards across several of the prime sites of the appellation. Today the estate is run by Serge's daughter Valerie, a cousin of the late Didier Dagueneau, though Serge still helps out in the vineyard.

While the calcareous soil in the vineyards give the wines ample structure and the ability to age for five or more years, the vineyards of Poiully Fume typically have more clay and depth than the poorer more chalky soils of neighbouring Sancerre. This is particularly so in the prime area of Saint Andelain where most of the family's vineyard holdings are located.

Here the wines still show clear and intense varietal Sauvignon Blanc character but the heavier soil adds texture and generosity to the palate. Whilst this does give them immediate appeal, with 5 to 10 years bottle age they take on a honeyed richness reminiscent of white Burgundy.

The Dagueneaus also have an old 100% Chasselas vineyard in Pouilly-sur-Loire which was planted just after phylloxera struck in the late nineteenth century. Located beside an old Roman cobblestone road on the route to Paris, this remarkable vineyard is now over 120 years old.

These prime vineyard sites located so close to the Loire have been rewarding travelers with wonderfully refreshing wines for many hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

- Importer Note