Blanchet Pouilly-Fume Calcite 2014

Francis Blanchet 2014 Calcite Pouilly Fumé, Loire | 13% | Riper and richer than ever before, this is once again sensational Sauvignon Blanc of a mineral variety that earns its name Calcite as a nod to its calcite rich limestone soils. How to sum this steely and striking white…imagine ripening the most bracing yet polished Sauvignon Blanc clones to a resonant hum in the citrusy mineral slopes of Chablis; it is fragrant of all those eau d’orange vert liquor sort of scents with exotic floral high notes but kept nervy by a mouthwatering acidity, persistent citrus, and a structure that is both burnished but edgy –a wine of great dimension less of the soprano of last vintage and more of a counter tenor with a richer more clarinet woodwind charm in comparison to last year's silver flute. A marvel every year, this vintage could be the sort of segue Sauvignon Blanc fans of other lands might need to lure them from Bordeaux or Napa and onto the banks of the Loire and these remarkable winegrowers the Blanchets. A treat with a nettle green lift on the finish. Seek this out for a split pea and mint soup.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, 16 September 2014 (Root)

Food Pairings

White fish, shellfish, oysters, chicken. Asparagus, cilantro, artichokes, salads. Lemony or garlicy things.