2020 Domaine du Bouchot Pouilly Fumé Terres Blanches
Region: Loire Valley, France
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Culinary Suggestions: Shellfish, Goats Cheese, Tapas
Practices: Organic, Biodynamic
About
Taking over Domaine du Bouchot in 2018, the young winemaker, Antoine Gouffier, and his wife have brought great energy and modern views to the traditional region of Pouilly-Fumé. On the right bank of the Loire Valley they champion Sauvignon Blanc in their wines.
A family estate since 1966, Domaine du Bouchet is 10 hectares in size and has been crafting wine for decades, with the latest owner, Antoine Gouffier, shaking things up. Born and raised in the villages of Pouilly-Fumé, as a young adult Antoine chose to embark on a decade of backpacking around the world. Traipsing through America, Argentina, Africa, and even the Middle East he learnt new methods and ways of life outside of the borders of France. In America he began with learning all about the three-tier system from various wine importers, then his time in Argentina was spent with Michel Rolland and his right-hand-man Thierry Haberer of Clos de los Siete wine estate. Once arriving in South Africa Antoine worked and learned from Duncan Savage, and as a sweet surprise it was where he met Ilse Nel, his now wife.
This led to a massive shake up once returning home to France and taking over from the Kerbiquet family at Domaine du Bouchet. Instantly making his mark Antoine set about planting new vines, renovating the cellar, purchasing new equipment and amphorae. He also began experimenting with old oak barrels with his wines.
The domaine has been biodynamically certified since 2009, allowing Antoine to step into a vineyard that shares his beliefs already. Being the first domaine to be certified Organic in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation, Antoine continued to push biodiversity and the correlation to the Lunar calendar to achieve Biodynamic certification soon after he took over. With the help of his mentor and expert in biodynamics, Pascal Kerbiquet, he continues to champion the thriving nature in his vineyards.
The vines are all planted to Sauvignon Blanc and sit on the south-west slope of the hill next to the village of Saint Andelain. Here the soils consist of clay and limestone from the Kimmeridgian era, perfect to bring the light freshness to Sauvignon. His vinification method includes minimal intervention, with a focus on clarity of the terroir, producing wines of vibrant elegance. - Importer Note
Tasting Notes
The 2020 Pouilly-Fumé Terres Blanches was bottled a week before tasting, so it might need to be revisited to give it a fair shot, but even at this early stage, this mid-weight style is clearly balanced with masses of refreshment. Partial malo has lent additional softness to the palate, which is reminiscent of pear fruit and a whiff of white pepper. Excellent structural tension on the finish. This is one to watch.
91-93 points - Rebecca Gibb, Vinous Media August 2021
Drink: 2022 - 2028