Dr. David Muhleman

The-Wine-Educator    WINE & SPIRITS EDUCATION AND CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE CONSUMER AND THE PROFESSIONAL

Best of the Best

Most Americans shy away from wines with names they can not pronounce or don’t understand. And most European wines are named after the region they come from, instead of the grape varietal. Such is the case of Pouilly-Fuisse (poo-yee fwee-SAY), which is a Chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France.

Pouilly-Fuisse is often confused with Pouilly-Fume (poo-yee few MAY) which is a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire region of France.

This confusion, and strange names, cause American wine drinkers to avoid these wines. However, the Number 1 reason Americans buy a particular wine, is that they have tried it, they liked it, and they buy it again.

Put together, this brings me to the Best of the Best.

2006 Maison Louis Latour, Pouilly-Fuisse (Burgundy, France). Between the tiny village of Pouilly and the tinier village of Fuisse lie the world famous vineyards of Pouilly-Fuisse. This wine is crystal clear; star bright, with a light gold color. The subtle aromas of green apples and lemon citrus prepare you for a chardonnay which has seen little or no oak aging. The first sip is tart and crisp, yet not the lemon/grapefruit acidity of an Italian Pinot Grigio or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is light and not the heavy Chardonnay found in the warmer regions of California. This wine has an acidity finish that leaves your mouth watering for cheese or other appetizers.

Typical of Pouilly-Fuisse’s made for export, the alcohol content is 13% (abv) which adds a medium amount of body, or weight, to the mouth feel. This is a perfect wine for shellfish/white fish, most Oriental meals, and for cocktail hour.

If you like the crisp clean style of Chardonnay without all the toasty oak aging and buttery vanilla found in many California Chardonnay’s, pick up a Pouilly-Fuisse; it may be that after you try one you’ll learn what you have been missing.