2017 Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé enjoyed on 11/4/2019 at Joe’s with AK #stonecrabseason
WSET Tasting Note
Medium (+) intensity with primary aromas of citrus (lemon zest), exotic fruits (mango, lychee), white flower and wet stone. The wine is dry with medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol and medium body. Flavor intensity is medium (+) with notes of lemon, mango, lychee, white flower and wet stone. The finish is medium (+). This wine is very good quality and is ready to drink now.
Pairing
The wine paired quite well with fresh stone crab. The crab was succulent and juicy and the crisp acidity was beautifully refreshing. The tropical fruits and white flower played well with both the crab and mustard dipping sauce.
Producer
Ladoucette is an estate in Pouilly-Fumé currently owned by Baron Patrick de Ladoucette. The property has quite the history, having been controlled by the Comte Lafond and Ladoucette families since 1787 when Comte Lafond purchased the estate from the illegitimate daughter of the French king, Louis XV. The more you know.
The vineyards are in Pouilly-Fumé Controlle, including Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain and Tracy-sur-Loire at the eastern end of the Loire Valley. Both clay and limestone influence the delicate characteristics, with the soil profile specifically being clay and limestone (Kimmeridgian marnes on fossilized limestone). The Sauvignon Blanc is destemmed and the wine is 80% free run juice fermented in stainless steel at 60℉ for 6-8 weeks. The wine then spends 3-6 months on lees with regular stirring, giving it great weight on the palate.
Ladoucette, Château du Nozet
Region
Pouilly-Fumé AOC lies in the Central Vineyards of the Loire Valley, which is 300+ miles inland from Muscadet making it the furthest east of the major areas within the Loire. The climate is continental with threats from spring frosts and summer hailstorms. Sauvignon Blanc happens to bud late and ripen early which makes it an ideal option for the climate and climatic hazards. The main soil types are caillottes (very shallow soils over limestone), Terre Blanches (limestone and marl like Chablis) and Silex (flinty). Pouilly-Fumé is slightly flatter than land in Sancerre, and therefore more prone to frost damage.
Varietal
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc works well in cool regions like Pouilly-Fumé because it buds late (avoiding spring frost) and ripens early. It grows vigorously, making it a good candidate for poor soils. Sauvignon Blanc tends to produce wines that have pronounced intensity with grass, bell pepper, asparagus, gooseberry, grapefruit and wet stone. When grown in warmer regions, look for more tropical notes like passionfruit. Sauvignon Blancs typically have high acidity, medium body, and medium alcohol.
Sources
WSET Online Classroom
The Wine Bible
Maisons Marques & Domaines