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Domaine de Bel Air, Pouilly Fume 2010
Producer
The Mauroy family has 14 hectares of Pouilly Fumé vineyards, located on the South facing slopes of Pouilly-sur-Loire and Saint-Andelain, the village originally made famous by Didier Dagueneau.
In the past, Domaine de Bel Air sold most of its production in bulk. However, the arrival on the scene of daughter Katia as winemaker has heralded huge improvements at the gravity fed winery. The resulting wines are serious yet generous and among the best in the appellation. Gold and trophies at the IWC awards for the past few years are testament to the phenomenal value this wine offers.
Vineyards
Domaine de Bel Air has 14 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc vineyards on different soils: Kimmeridgian limestone, clay-chalk (argilo-calcaire) and sandy chalk. The vineyards are south-facing and benefit from a favourable microclimate thanks to their very close proximity to the River Loire, which moderates the cold temperatures of the region, encouraging greater ripeness and flavour development.
Vintage Information
The 2010 vintage was relatively dry and characterised by alternating spells of heat and cooler temperatures. Throughout the growing season progress was steady and slower than normal, but the final stages saw optimal conditions. Sugar levels, acidity and flavour development all came into perfect balance in the final week and resulted in a classic vintage. Harvest began on 27th September.
Vinification
The grapes were pressed in a Bucher pneumatic press which ensured good but gentle extraction of the aromatic Sauvignon Blanc character. Fermentation took place in enamelled steel, stainless steel and epoxy-lined underground vats with temperatures held at 19ºC, all of which retained the wine`s freshness and purity of fruit. The wine remained on its lees during the winter. The finished wine is a blend of parcels planted on three different soil types, giving a wine with added complexity and depth.
Tasting Notes
The 2010 Pouilly Fumé exhibits all the rich complexity you would expect from such a favourable vintage. Passionfruit and mango tropical fruit flavours mingle with fresh citrus notes and the typical slate and mineral character expected from classic Sancerre. Full, balanced and vivacious, this wine finishes with excellent length.
| Vintage |
2010 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Region |
Pouilly, Loire |
| Winemaker |
Katia Mauroy |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13%% |
