Pascal Jolivet was founded in 1987 and is one of the most dynamic domaines in France’s Loire Valley. Based in Sancerre, the domaine now owns 120 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. Pascal shares his philosophy with winemaker, Valentina Buoso: to work in harmony with nature to produce wines with purity of fruit, a linear character and minerality, allowing a natural expression of the vineyard to give the wines a sense of place.
The newly released Blanc-Fumé is the new name of the iconic Pouilly-Fumé release of Maison Pascal Jolivet. Since the beginning, the estate has made this wine from vineyards along the Right Bank of the Loire with 50% flint, 30% clay-limestone, and 20% limestone soils.
After harvest, the grapes are hand sorted and then gently pressed. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts. The grapes from each parcel are fermented separately.
The 2020 vintage was warmer and sunnier vintage than usual: bud break commenced around 15 March, which is roughly two to three weeks in advance. The heatwaves from March up until August accelerated the growth cycle of the vineyards leading to an earlier vintage however, there was not additional pressure of dealing with mildew or oidium. 2020 was a relatively easy vintage to manage, but one needed to keep a close eye, as the challenge was to pick the grapes as quickly as possible within a very short amount of time before temperatures climbed and the potential alcohol level increased. The harvest started unusually early, on the 27th August. The profile of this vintage is therefore generous and rich whilst maintaining an elegant acidity to provide length and structure.
Vibrant yellow colour with restrained aromas of citrus, apple and flint. It is precise and layered with clean, driving acidity, elegance and finesse.
Great with smoked salmon, shellfish, grilled fish, vegetable dishes or goats’ cheese.
Serve at 10-12°C.
Pouilly-Fumé AOC, Loire
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Cork
Yes
Yes
