# Argiles à Silex (2024)

- **Producer:** Comte Henry D'Assay
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, boxwood, white peach, coconut, grilled notes, roasted notes

## About this wine

Argiles à Silex is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Pouilly-Fumé AOC in the Loire Valley, France, produced by Comte Henry D'Assay. The wine originates from vineyards located around the hill of Saint-Andelain in Tracy-sur-Loire, characterized by a soil mix of flint, limestone, marls, and sands, as indicated by its name 'Clays with Flint'. The 2024 vintage was marked by significant climatic challenges, including heavy rainfall and mildew, resulting in very low yields but high-quality grapes. Comte Henry D'Assay, drawing on his family's long history in Pouilly-Fumé and his previous role at Château de Tracy, established his own négociant business to highlight the diverse expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, working with select growers.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Argiles à Silex' translates to 'Clays with Flint', highlighting the vineyard's soil composition.
- The 2024 vintage faced extreme mildew pressure, leading to historically low yields.
- The wine's profile is noted to be reminiscent of the high-acidity 2021 vintage.
- Comte Henry D'Assay's project focuses exclusively on Sauvignon Blanc.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and pronounced freshness cut through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its citrus and saline notes complement the natural flavors of the ocean. The minerality pairs exceptionally well with goat cheese, a classic Loire Valley combination.

## Wine making process

Argiles à Silex is vinified from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The winemaking process emphasizes preserving the grape's natural characteristics and the influence of the terroir. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, a technique chosen to maintain the wine's aromatic purity and vibrant acidity. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, further ensuring that its freshness and distinctive minerality are retained. The harvest for the 2024 vintage was particularly challenging due to adverse weather, leading to low yields but resulting in grapes of high aromatic quality.