Pouilly Fumé is a well-known white wine originating from the Loire Valley in France. It is exclusively made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are characterized by their high acidity, creating a fresh-tasting wine.
The name "Pouilly Fumé" derives from its geographical origin – the Pouilly-sur-Loire commune, and "Fumé", which is French for "smoky". The smoky reference is attributed to two features of the wine. Firstly, it characterizes the grayish hue the grapes obtain when they fully ripen, giving a smokey or 'fumé' look. Secondly, it describes the wine’s unique gunflint or smoky aroma, which distinguishes it from other Sauvignon Blanc wines.
On the palate, Pouilly Fumé offers a combination of citrus, green apple, and mineral flavors, with a slightly smoky finish. Overall, it is recognized for its elegant, dry, and crisp characteristics. Thanks to its balanced acidity, it pairs well with many foods including goat cheese, fish, and poultry.
The wine is best to be served at 10-12°C and while it can be enjoyed young, a few years of aging can bring out further complexity and depth of flavors.
