Masson Blondelet Pouilly Fume "Villa Paulus"

Masson-Blondelet Pouilly-Fumé “Villa Paulus”

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Villa Paulus is a 5-hectare vineyard site that sits on Kimmeridgean marl (white clay and fossilized shells and oysters), with south-southeast exposure.
  • Named after the Roman villa that once existed in Pouilly-sur-Loire and which gave its name to Pouilly.
  • Deep, but not aggressive like so many modern examples of Sauvignon Blanc.

Varietal Composition:  100% Sauvignon Blanc

Elaboration: Immediate pressing to avoid skin contact or oxidation. Super gentle handling, fermentation in stainless, long time on lees, no malolactic.

Tasting Notes: Aromas combine grapefruit and herbal notes. Deep, but its no aggressive like so many modern examples of Sauvignon Blanc. Ripe and fresh on the palate, displaying a good balance of sweetness versus acidity.

PRESS

2018 – 90 Wine Enthusiast

2019 – 90 Wine Enthusiast

2020 – 90 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 Domain’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 Fume 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.

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