Domaine des Berthiers Pouilly Fume 2009
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2008-
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The vineyards of Domaine des Berthiers are situated in the hamlet of Berthiers, in the village of Saint-Andelain. The estate was owned by one of the key driving personalities of the Pouilly-Fumé region, Jean-Claud Dagueneau. When his health became more of an issue to run the vineyards, the Domaine became part of Domaine Fournier. The Pouilly-Fumé vineyards of Domaine des Berthiers are located on the siliceous hillside south west alongside the Loire river facing the vineyards of Sancerre.
The Fournier family has been making wine for many generations and their estate holdings have grown from 5 acres in 1950 to almost 150 acres today, divided over the appellations of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon. The Pouilly-Fumé wines produced by Domaine des Berthiers are full-bodied and exhibit the rich, spicy and smoky nuances of the Sauvignon Blanc varietals.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
Praised for its stately Renaissance-era chateaux, the picturesque Loire valley produces pleasant wines of just about every style. Just south of Paris, the appellation lies along the river of the same name and stretches from the Atlantic coast to the center of France.
The Loire can be divided into three main growing areas, from west to east: the Lower Loire, Middle Loire, and Upper/Central Loire. The Pay Nantais region of the Lower Loire—farthest west and closest to the Atlantic—has a maritime climate and focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne variety, which makes refreshing, crisp, aromatic whites.
The Middle Loire contains Anjou, Saumur and Touraine. In Anjou, Chenin Blanc produces some of, if not the most, outstanding dry and sweet wines with a sleek, mineral edge and characteristics of crisp apple, pear and honeysuckle. Cabernet Franc dominates red and rosé production here, supported often by Grolleau and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sparkling Crémant de Loire is a specialty of Saumur. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are common in Touraine as well, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay and Malbec (known locally as Côt).
The Upper Loire, with a warm, continental climate, is Sauvignon Blanc country, home to the world-renowned appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Pinot Noir and Gamay produce bright, easy-drinking red wines here.