Domaine Jean-Pierre Bailly is just one of the gems of the Loire.

When I look to Europe for Sauvignon Blanc, my thoughts fly to Pouilly-sur-Loire. A French commune that sits across the Loire River from the hilltop town of Sancerre. Both communes make a speciality of Sauvignon Blanc, a grape thought to be native to the Loire region. Consequently, you will be hard pressed not to find a style of savvyB that suits you from the Loire.

This particular version is made by Patrice Bailly, the sixth generation winemaker for the family Domaine and is made from vines located throughout this region. The vineyards are notably on limestone rich soils which give the wines a distinctive minerally ‘smokiness’, hence the name says it all – fumé. 

Here that trace of mineral smoke sits atop fresh peach and grapefruit characters with a light just-ripe pineapple peeping through. It holds its mouth filling intensity for a long satisfying moment despite being more medium bodied. An impeccably balanced, dry white. Chill it lightly and sit and linger over a glass for lunch, dinner or just an aperitif.  

Quickie review « This is a great way to get to know one of the regional gems of the Loire. »

Country of Origin: Pouilly Fumé AOC, France
Tasting Date: January 2020
Price:  UK £17  
Drink: now 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

Visit Domaine Jean-Pierre Bailly for more information.
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