Pouilly-Fumé ‘Cuvée Calcite’

HISTORY  Since the early 1990s, winemaker Francis Blanchet has crafted a special selection of pure Sauvignon Blanc from fruit selected from flint-rich vineyards for us. This unique terroir announces itself explosively: knock two vineyard stones together and you can’t help but be bowled over by the aroma of firecracker smoke.

Indeed, fumé means “smoked” in French, which gives you more than a hint of why Sauvignon Blanc from producers like Blanchet in this charmed appellation across the river from Sancerre is so energetic and mineral-driven. 

Now that Francis’ son, Mathieu, has joined the winery, the Blanchet family can count eight generations of winemakers among its ranks. This centuries-plus dedication to the soul of the Loire and the character of Sauvignon Blanc, its native grape, make the Blanchet clan a reliable source for the true voice of this vibrant grape.

In addition to our special flint-soil selection, Francis has further identified unique plots of land—whether with older, massal selection vines or ‘Kriotine,’ for example, from chalky limestone soils—and then has bottled them separately. This attention to terroir is what sets Blanchet Sauvignon Blanc apart from, and certainly qualitatively above, more basic regional bottlings.

For us, Domaine Blanchet offers one of the most expressive, unadulterated tastes of  Sauvignon Blanc, choosing to raise his wines only in tank—so what you savor with every glass is the most natural expression of “smoky” Sauvignon there is.

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING  Winemaker Francis Blanchet cares for his vines sustainably, with the goal of ensuring each vineyard’s unique character and the resonant flavors and aromas of Sauvignon Blanc are expressed honestly in each bottle. The estate regularly plows vineyard rows, and plants beneficial herbs to control weed growth and stimulate vines’ roots to dig deeper into the soil.

 

Estate holdings cover a range of classic Loire terroir, including Kimmeridgian marl, flint/clay, and limestone. Many of Blanchet’s wines are based on a particular terroir selection, to highlight in the glass each unique expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Interestingly, estate vines, following DNA testing, have proved to be some of the oldest existing clones of Sauvignon Blanc—the true “mother” rootstock of Loire Sauvignon. Many of these vines are massal selection plantings from original rootstock planted by Francis Blanchet’s grandparents.

Grapes are pressed gently in a horizontal, pneumatic press, with juice fed to tanks via gravity. Juice is then fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks, to preserve Sauvignon Blanc’s naturally vibrant aromas and flavors.

‘Calcite’ is Sauvignon Blanc by way of Chablis! Here Francis Blanchet selects vineyards rich in chalky marl (specifically Kimmeridgian, for the geologists among us) for a white wine that screams sea shells and days by the beach — so much energy, so much true “minerality.” A gorgeous partner for fruits de mer in all their wonderful variety. 

Aromas of sea salt, crushed sea shells, citrus rind.  Sea-air mineral, incredibly fresh; bright, crisp white fruits and citrus.