Pouilly-Fumé
| Wine region | |
 |
|
| Type | AOC |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1937 |
| Country |
 France
|
| Part of | Nivernais |
| Climate region | moderate temperate oceanic |
| Soil conditions | kimmeridgian marl and clay with flints |
| Total area | 1,200 hectares |
| Varietals produced | Sauvignon blanc |
| Wine produced | From 65 to 75 hl/ha |
Pouilly-Fumé is an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for the dry sauvignon blanc white wine produced around Pouilly-sur-Loire, in the Nièvre département. Another white wine produced in the same area but with a different grape variety is called Pouilly-sur-Loire.
Pouilly-Fumé is made purely from sauvignon blanc, a type of vine whose clusters are formed of small ovoid grapes, pressed against each other and resembling small bird eggs. At maturity, these grapes are coated with a grey bloom, the color of smoke — which explains why Pouilly winegrowers talk of "white smoke" to describe the type of vine or the wines made from it. “Fumé” also refers to the smoky bouquet (the renowned "gun flint aroma"), bestowed by the terroir vineyards of Pouilly/Loire.
The vineyards of Pouilly-Fumé date back to the Roman era (fifth century); a reference to the Latin name Pauliacum super fluvium ligerim (Pauliacum on the River Loire), reflecting the Roman road which passed through this territory.
Benedictine monks commenced development of Pouilly-Fumé in the Middle Ages. Sacramental wine is traditionally white, less prone to staining, and the Benedictines developed the vineyards without seeking profitability. The fiefdom and vineyards of Pouilly were transferred to the Benedictines of La Charité-sur-Loire for the sum of "3100 sous and a silver mark" towards the end of the eleventh century. A plot of about 4 hectares (9.9 acres) overlooking the River Loire has retained the appellation Loge aux Moines (Monks’ Lodge), in memory of that era. The repurchase of Boisgibault lands in 1383 by Jean III de Sancerre demonstrates the proximity that has always existed between this vineyard and that of Sancerre, and their respective white wine production.
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Wikipedia