2025 Pouilly-Fumé, J. de Villebois

Green citrus and lemon peel rise from the glass, joined by lemongrass, white pepper, and a subtle exotic-fruit note. Beneath the bright aromatics lies Pouilly-Fumé’s distinctive smoky, stony character, giving the wine definition without muting its generous fruit.

The palate opens with a soft, rounded texture before vibrant acidity brings everything sharply into focus. Citrus zest, saline minerality, and a delicate pithy bitterness drive the refreshing finish. Precise yet approachable, this is classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc with enough substance for the table and enough energy to shine as an aperitif.

For when: Fresh seafood and a properly chilled bottle are all the evening needs.

Pairs with: Oysters, grilled prawns, lobster, sea bass, goat’s cheese, asparagus or fish in a creamy sauce.

Pouilly-Fumé is the Sauvignon Blanc appellation located on the Right Bank of the Loire River. The appellation was created in 1937 originally as Blanc Fumé de Pouilly. Pouilly- Fumé takes its name from Pouilly-sur-Loire, the village from which the wines originate, while ‘Fumé’ refers to Blanc Fumé, the local synonym for Sauvignon Blanc. Fumé translates as ‘smoky’, which denotes the struck gunflint notes that characterise the wines. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes that produced this cuvée are grown on the main Pouilly Fumé terroirs of Villiers and Barrois, where the soils are made up of limestone, marls with oyster shells, and clayey-flint ‘Silex’ soils. It is these flinty ‘Silex’ soils that impart the characteristic smoky flavours in the wine.