Domaine Masson-Blondelet Pouilly-Fumé Tradition Cullus
WHY WE LOVE IT
- More than 60 years old vines in perfect conditions, an optimal weather and a close partnership between the winegrower and the copper for the choice of the oaks & toast.
- Grapes aged between 60 and 80 years old, are sourced from a plot of land that is slightly less than an acre in size, aged 25 years.
- The soil is Kimmeridgean marl (white clay and fossilized shells and oysters) and the vineyard has a South-south east exposure.
- No use of chemical fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide.
- Keep up to 10 years, wait at least the 3rd/ 4th year before starting to drink. Serve chilled, around 12 °C.
- Vegan friendly.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: The vines are lightly hoed and regularly tilled by hand. Organic Farming practices are used. Treatments are reduced to bare necessities in order to protect fauna and soil, which are crucial for an appropriate development of the vegetation.
Only the first juice is kept, after a cold settling, the juice starts its alcoholic fermentation in 600 liters (demi-muid) oak barrels, which one third is new. Maintained on very fine lees, which are stirred. The racking takes place one year after the harvest and the wine is bottled 18 to 24 months later after a maturation on the very fine lees in a blending stainless tank. Cold tartaric precipitation, sulphite rate in accordance with biodynamic principles.
Tasting Notes: Extraordinary rich, full and harmonious cuvée that matches well with rich or spicy cuisines.
“This lightly wood-aged wine is smooth and offers ripe white fruits. Its hints of toast are beautifully judged, giving a rounded wine that will be ready to drink from 2024.” – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
PRESS
2020 – 93 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Michelle and Jean-Michel Masson created Domaine Masson-Blondelet after marrying one another in 1975. Both came from Loire winegrowing families and brought with them cru holdings in Pouilly Fume and Sancerre totaling 21 hectares.
Three basic soil types exist in Pouilly-Fume – Kimmeridgian Marl, Flint, and Hard Limestone. Because each of the domaine’s vineyards sit on one of these soil types, Masson-Blondelet vinifies and bottles each vineyard separately (Les Angelots, Villa Paulis, and Les Pierres de Pierre for Pouilly-Fumé and Thauvenay for Sancerre).
The seventh generation is now involved – Son Pierre-Francois manages the domaine’s vineyard work (organic philosophy), and daughter Melanie manages company sales and assists with winemaking (natural philosophy). Total production is small, about 120,000 bottles per year.