Ladoucette Pouilly Fumé 2018

We visited this historic estate in the Loire Valley while visiting a good friend living in Sancerre. Ladoucette is the most famous estate in Pouilly-Fumé, which neighbors the area of Sancerre, and also grows Sauvignon Blanc to produce beautiful white wine. The vineyard has been in the hands of the Comte Lafond and Ladoucette families since 1787, when the Comte Lafond purchased the estate from the illegitimate daughter of King Louis XV. The estate has been owned by Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, a descendant of the Comte Lafond, since 1972. Today, the Baron produces outstanding Loire Valley wines under the de Ladoucette, Marc Bredif, La Poussie, Regnard and Baron Patrick labels.

The Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé is a classic example of the region. Before pressing, the grapes are destemmed and then vinification is performed by gravity. 80 percent natural juices and 20 percent from pressing go into the wine. Cool fermentation at 60 degrees Fahrenheit in stainless-steel tanks for six to eight weeks, before maturing from three to six months on natural lees. The wine is blended seven to eight months after harvesting and stored in glass-tiled tanks. No wood is used in the vinification process in order to preserve the freshness and full flavor of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.