Domaine des Berthiers | Pouilly Fumé
Situated in the small village of Verdigny in the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley, the Fournier family has been making wine for many generations. The estate has grown from 5 acres in 1950 to almost 150 acres today, divided over the appellations of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Menetou-Salon. The improvements made in vinification techniques and the permanent concern for quality result in well-balanced wines of great diversity.
In 1995, the Fournier family acquired the vineyards of Domaine des Berthiers, which previously belonged to Jean-Claude Dagueneau (father of Didier Dagueneau). They are situated in the hamlet of Berthiers, which is located in the village of Saint-Andelain. The appellation is located on siliceous south-southwest facing hillsides overlooking the Loire River. As a result, the vineyard benefits from well-drained soils and very good exposure, favoring the production of grapes that result in age-worthy and complex wines. Vinification includes a slow temperature regulated fermentation for a period of three to four weeks, which allows the maximum extraction of aromas leading to a final freshness. Aging on fine lees adds richness and is what gives this wine its 'fumé' character. Generous and full-bodied, the wines exhibit the rich, spicy, and smoky nuances of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal.