2022 Francis Blanchet ‘Kriotine’ Pouilly-Fumé

Aromas of crushed oyster shells, white flowers, crisp pear, lemon rind. Flavors of limes and lemons, fresh white fruits, dusting of white pepper and sea salt on the finish. Crisp and lively. A single-vineyard selection from a plot just under five acres, facing southeast, with mostly chalky, limestone soils with many small, white stones. Vines here represent a massal selection from vines originally planted at the estate by winemaker Francis Blanchet’s grandparents. 20 year old vines. Hand-harvested. Pressed full cluster; fermented and aged
on fine lees in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks.

Winemaker Francis Blanchet cares for his vines sustainably, with the goal of ensuring each vineyard’s unique character and the resonant flavors and aromas of Sauvignon Blanc are expressed honestly in each bottle. The estate regularly plows vineyard rows, and plants beneficial herbs to control weed growth and stimulate vines’ roots to dig deeper into the soil.

Estate holdings cover a range of classic Loire terroir, including Kimmeridgian marl, flint/clay, and limestone. Many of Blanchet’s wines are based on a particular terroir selection, to highlight in the glass each unique expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Interestingly, estate vines, following DNA testing, have proved to be some of the oldest existing clones of Sauvignon Blanc—the true “mother” rootstock of Loire Sauvignon. Many of these vines are massal selection plantings from original rootstock planted by Francis Blanchet’s grandparents.

Grapes are pressed gently in a horizontal, pneumatic press, with juice fed to tanks via gravity. Juice is then fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks, to preserve Sauvignon Blanc’s naturally vibrant aromas and flavors.

Cuvée Kriotine’ is a special terroir selection, hailing from a vineyard that Francis’ grandparents first planted so many years ago. Here, chalky limestone soils create an ideal mineral cocktail for Sauvignon Blanc vines, giving grapes pep and poise and energy that translates directly to the glass. ‘Kriotine’ is a fantasy name inspired by the word ‘criot,’ which in local dialect describes a vineyard terroir with many white stones.