Domaines de Berthiers winery
"The domain's secret has always been that it is the woman who taste the wine before it is bottled."
Evelyn Dagueneau
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The recognition of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation was strongly influenced by the commitment of Jean-Claude Dagueneau, the founder of the Domaines des Berthiers in Pouilly-sur-Loire. His wife Evelyn still lives on the estate today, which is now run by winemaker Damien in the tradition of the founder and with his expertise.
The vineyards facing the Loire benefit from the flint terroir, which can only be found on the higher vineyards of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation around the Butte de St-Andelain. It dates back to the Cretaceous period, around 100 million to 66 million years ago. The oxides it contains sometimes give the soil shades of grey, pink and black. In the wine, flint provides the typical local smoky flavours and a beautiful minerality.
"Our Pouilly-Fumé is a feminine and refined expression of Sauvignon Blanc," says Damien, describing the desired style. The grapes are harvested when perfectly ripe and gently pressed, the must is then cold stabilised. After fermentation, the wine rests on the fine lees and thus achieves even more aromatic complexity.
photos: Domaine de Berthers