Pouilly-Fumé PDO

Production area

Centre-Val de Loire

Pouilly-Fumé is a dry white wine known for its bright fruity flavour, with hints of Scottish broom and grapefruit. Despite its name, which suggests a "smoky" taste, the wine’s most famous note is its distinctive "flinty" character. This unique flavour comes from the Sauvignon grapes grown in Pouilly-sur-Loire, a region in Nivernais.

What you need to know

The Sauvignon grapes used in Pouilly-Fumé are small and bunches are tight and covered in a white smoke like coating that the winemakers call “white smoke”. This might be how the wine got its name – fumé means smoked in French. The smoky description also fits the wine’s well known flinty flavour, the one you get when you strike two flint stones together. This flavour is due to the calcaire clay soil in the Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyard, situated between Berry and Burgundy. Pouilly-Fumé has had its PDO since 1937.

The Climate and Terroir of Pouilly-Fumé

The smoky character of Pouilly-Fumé is due to its climate and terroir. The region has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters which allows the Sauvignon Blanc to ripen slowly and develop all its flavours. The soil is rich in flint and calcaire clay which gives the wine its flinty flavour. This combination of soil and climate results in a wine with crisp acidity and a mineral driven profile.

Pouilly-Fumé by the Numbers

Pouilly-Fumé is a popular wine with around 7 million bottles produced each year. There are over 120 winemakers in the region, each one dedicated to making wines that reflect the terroir of Pouilly-sur-Loire. They preserve the traditions and quality that have made Pouilly-Fumé such a beloved choice among wine enthusiasts around the world.

Is Pouilly-Fumé the same as Sauvignon Blanc?

Yes, Pouilly-Fumé is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. However, the wine’s unique terroir in Pouilly-sur-Loire gives it a distinct "flinty" character that sets it apart from other Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Is Pouilly-Fumé sweet or dry?

Pouilly-Fumé is a dry white wine, known for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven flavours.

Is Pouilly-Fumé a good wine?

Absolutely! Pouilly-Fumé is highly regarded for its quality and distinctive taste. It’s a favorite among wine enthusiasts who appreciate crisp, mineral-driven wines.

How do you pronounce Pouilly-Fumé in English?

Pouilly-Fumé is pronounced as "Pooyee-Foo-MAY."

What is the difference between Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-Fuissé?

Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-Fuissé are both French wines but come from different regions and are made from different grapes. Pouilly-Fumé is a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, known for its flinty notes, while Pouilly-Fuissé is a Chardonnay from the Burgundy region, celebrated for its rich, creamy texture.

Characteristics

Smell

Bright citrus notes, white flowers, and a distinct flinty aroma.

Look

Pale yellow with greenish reflections, clear and crystalline.

Taste

Crisp and fresh with a balanced acidity, featuring flavours of grapefruit, green apple, and that unmistakable flinty minerality.

Editor's note

« This wine is great for happy hour and pairs well with charcuterie or a hard-rind cheese like Comté or Beaufort. »

How to use

Storage

Pouilly-Fumé should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 10-12°C (50-54°F). It’s best enjoyed within 3-5 years of the vintage to appreciate its fresh, vibrant flavours.

Best enjoyed

Chill the wine to 8-10°C (46-50°F) before serving. This will bring out the fruit and mineral flavours.

Pour Pouilly-Fumé into a tulip-shaped glass to allow its aromas to fully develop. Take a moment to appreciate its pale yellow colour with greenish reflections, then swirl the wine to release its aromas. Expect notes of citrus, white flowers, and that signature flinty aroma.