Pouilly-Fume 2017
Domaine Pascal Jolivet
Summary: By changing the name of his wine from “Pouilly-Fume” to “Blanc-Fumé” starting with the 2018 vintage, Pascal is taking the wine back to the its roots. “Blanc-Fumé” is the original name of the appellation that was created in 1937 (Blanc-Fumé de Pouilly). He is also going back to his family roots. Before Pascal Jolivet created his own Domaine, his grand-father Lucien Jolivet, was already using the name “Blanc-Fumé” on his labels. “Blanc-Fumé” translates to “Smoky-White”. Why “smoky”? Because of the greyish hue (color of smoke) that the grapes get coated with upon maturity, as well as the “gun flint” aromas that the wine expresses.
Terroir & Vinification: Under the name “Blanc-Fumé”, the wine is produced 100% from Pascal’s own vineyards, under the supervision and expertise of his vineyard management team using organic farming methods. The wine is vinified by his talented winemaker Valentina Buoso in the “Pascal Jolivet” natural way: wild yeast, temperature-controlled vinification, ageing on lees, cold settling (no enzyme), and low sulfites.
An Alternative to Sancerre: As the neighboring “Sancerre” appellation is gaining popularity, Pascal is confident that the “Blanc-Fumé” rebranding will “capture the interest of the wine drinkers who want an alternative to Sancerre.” The wine quality of “Blanc-Fumé” is equivalent to “Sancerre”; same grape (Sauvignon Blanc), same complexity, similar price-point, but with different tasting profiles.
Additional Information
The 2017 Pascal Jolivet Pouilly Fumé is a vibrant yellow color with a dry focused nose of citrus and mineral. On the palate the wine is medium in body, incredibly precise and layered with clean, driving acidity.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Pouilly-Fumé
- Sustainability: Organic Practices
- Primary Soil: Calcareous, Sand, Limestone
- Alcohol: <14%
- Varietals: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Recent Press
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Score: 90 Points
The Wine Advocate Author: Stephan Reinhardt
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021"After spring frost and a very dry summer, yields were dramatically low in the appellation and Jolivet's 2017 Pouilly-Fumé reflects this in its beautifully clear, healthy and bright fruit aromas intertwined with refreshing citrus fruit notes on the nose. Round and juicy on the palate, this is a concentrated and firmly structured Pouilly with remarkably refreshing acidity and elegance. The wine is linear and has a stimulatingly salty finish. It is lovely today and will be for at least another 5-8 years. Tasted in January 2021." -
Score: 88 Points
Wine Enthusiast Author: Roger Voss
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018"A blend from three vineyards, this rounded wine is rich in apple and green-plum flavors, with an edge of spiciness. It is rich enough to be ready to drink now." -
Score: 91 Points
Wine Spectator Author: James Molesworth
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018"A pure, chiseled style, with tarragon and verbena notes streaking through, while lemon curd and white peach flavors hold the core. Flint and gooseberry accents chime in on the finish. Drink now through 2020."
