# Pouilly-Fumé De Ladoucette (2023)

- **Producer:** De Ladoucette
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €47
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lemon, pear, blossom, lychee, mango, wet stones

## About this wine

Pouilly-Fumé De Ladoucette is a distinguished white wine from the Pouilly-Fumé appellation in France's Loire Valley, produced by the historic De Ladoucette estate. The De Ladoucette family has a long-standing tradition in the region, with Baron Patrick de Ladoucette continuing a legacy of high-quality winemaking. The estate is a significant contributor to the appellation's production, representing about 10% of the total. The vineyards are situated in Pouilly-Fumé, benefiting from clay and limestone soils, often with flint components, which are crucial to the wine's characteristic minerality. The 2023 vintage, specifically, experienced a growing season that, despite some variability, yielded wines with good balance and aromatic freshness, reflecting the unique terroir of Pouilly-Fumé.

## Interesting facts

- De Ladoucette accounts for about 10% of all Pouilly-Fumé production.
- The estate's vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils, often with flint.
- Vine age for many parcels is between 25-35 years.
- No oak is used in the winemaking to preserve purity.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity cuts through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its minerality complements the briny notes of oysters and the subtle flavors of white fish. The citrus and herbal undertones in the wine echo similar elements in dishes, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

Pouilly-Fumé De Ladoucette is vinified using traditional methods focused on preserving the grape's purity and the terroir's expression. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures to maintain freshness and aromatic intensity. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a period of aging on its lees for three to six months, with regular stirring to enhance texture and complexity. This process of bâtonnage builds body and mouthfeel. Crucially, no oak is used in the winemaking, ensuring that the wine's character is a direct reflection of the grape and its origin. The 2023 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, contributing to the wine's inherent freshness and aromatic profile.