2024 Domaine de Bel Air, Pouilly-Fumé - Liberty

Owned by the Mauroy family, Domaine de Bel Air comprises 15 hectares of Pouilly-Fumé vineyards, located on the south-facing slopes of Pouilly-sur-Loire and Saint-Andelain. Winemaker Katia Mauroy-Gauliez and her brother Cédric are the eighth generation to oversee Domaine de Bel Air, which has been in the family since the 19th century. Katia’s wines are among the best in the appellation and are highly regarded for their structure and generosity.

Katia sources fruit from three vineyards to add complexity to her Pouilly-Fumé blend. Most of the blend comes from a parcel planted on Kimmeridgian limestone, adding mineral structure to the final wine. The remainder is sourced from vines planted on limestone, clay and sand, supplying ample fruit and aromatics to the blend. Domaine de Bel Air’s Pouilly-Fumé has a distinctive flinty character with undertones of ripe white currants. It is classic, understated and a joy to drink.

The fruit for Domaine de Bel Air’s ‘Cuvée des Acoins’ Pouilly-Fumé is sourced from a selection of the oldest vines in a ‘lieu-dit’ on the Saint-Andelain slopes, above the Loire River. These vines are south-east facing and planted on Kimmeridgian marl soils, which creates rich texture. The resulting wine is defined by notes of yellow fruits, blossom and hints of ginger lingering on the palate, which is well-balanced with bright, refreshing acidity.

Domaine de Bel Air has 15 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc vineyards on different soils: Kimmeridgian marls, clay-chalk (argilo-calcaire) and sandy limestone. The finished wine is a blend of parcels planted on three different soil types, resulting in a wine with great complexity and depth. The vineyards are south-facing and benefit from a favourable microclimate thanks to their very close proximity to the River Loire, which moderates the cold temperatures of the region, encouraging greater ripeness and flavour development.

Domaine de Bel Air has 15 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc vineyards on different soils: Kimmeridgian marls, clay-chalk (argilo-calcaire) and sandy limestone. The finished wine is a blend of parcels planted on three different soil types, resulting in a wine with great complexity and depth. The vineyards are south-facing and benefit from a favourable microclimate thanks to their very close proximity to the River Loire, which moderates the cold temperatures of the region, encouraging greater ripeness and flavour development.

The grapes were harvested at night to preserve freshness, and very quickly transported to the winery. The grapes were pressed in a Bucher pneumatic press, which ensured good but gentle extraction of the aromatic Sauvignon Blanc character. The juice was cold-settled before fermentation took place in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. The wine remained on its lees for three to four months before racking and bottling.

Pale lemon in colour. The nose is intense and complex with aromas of citrus and freshly cut grass underlined by notes of flint stone. On the palate, the wine bright and fresh. The characteristic minerality of Pouilly-Fumé brings layers and salinity to the already long finish.