Pascal Jolivet Pouilly-Fumé 2018

Producer Information

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 70 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. The domaine supplements the estate holdings with additional fruit sourced from long-term contract growers some of the prime sites of the region including ‘Les Caillottes’, ‘Le Chêne Marchand’ and ‘Le Clos du Roy’. 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.

Vineyards

Pouilly is situated 200km south of Paris, on the east bank of the Loire. Jolivet own 8 hectares, in the villages of Les Loges, St Andelain and Tracy. Located close to the Loire River and surrounded by forest creates a relatively mild micro climate for the vineyards. The soils in Les Loges (50% of blend) are chalky, giving the resultant wine length and body, while in St Andelain (30% of blend) and Tracy (20% of blend) flint and clay dominate. The grapes grown in these soils add ripeness and fruit to the character to the blend.

Winemaking

After harvest, the grapes are hand sorted and then gently pressed. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts, at 16°C for 33 days. The grapes from each parcel are fermented separately. After fermentation, the wine spends a further two months ageing in stainless steel before bottling.

Vintage Information

One of the largest crops of the decade, with favorable weather conditions throughout the year yielding concentrated wines that are a bit lower in acidity than usual. Chenin Blanc and red varieties did very well, while a streak of rain affected areas producing Sauvignon Blanc, causing some disease pressure; very little noble rot, but good ripeness overall.” www.winespectator.com

Tasting Note

Vibrant yellow colour with restrained aromas of citrus, apple and flint. It is precise and layered with clean, driving acidity, elegance and finesse.

Food Pairing

Great with smoked salmon, shellfish, grilled fish, vegetable dishes or goats’ cheese.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 10-12°C.

Press

James Suckling: 93 Points

Pouilly-Fumé AOC, Loire
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Cork
12.5%
1.3 g/l
5.1 g/l
Yes
Yes

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