2021 Pouilly-Fumé La Belle Endormie, Domaine Agisson

Jean-Philippe`s Pouilly-Fumé comes from a 0.5 hectare plot of organically cultivated vines he purchased in 2019. The 35-year-old vineyard is in Tracy Sur Loire, the parcel being named `Les Champs Billards,`where large pebbles lie over limestone bedrock. Given Jean-Philippe`s wealth of experience making Sauvignon Blanc previously at Domaine Alphonse Mellot and now as Head Winemaker at Domaine Didier Dagueneau, it is no surprise that this wine is a beauty. He has named it `La Belle Endormie` – Sleeping Beauty – as this is how he views Pouilly, which can fall into the shadow of its often more celebrated neighbour, Sancerre.
Tasting with Jean-Philippe in early 2024 he told us, “2021 was a stressful year in the vineyards. Thankfully we did not have frost in this plot, but we did get hail on 18th June, and the wet, humid summer meant that I had to work hard in the vines to ward off mildew. The results are worth it, as we have excellent concentration and purity as well as racy freshness.”
Pale lemon-green, aromas are intense and alluring, scented with white peach, pink grapefruit and lemon. Palate is full bodied, with rich, complex, perfumed fruitiness, a fine, elegant texture, and a finish that is crisp, vigorous and thirst-quenching (for drinking 2024-2028+).