2023 Fournier Les Deux Cailloux Pouilly-Fume, Loire Valley

A precise, chiseled and lively Pouilly-Fume showing notes of spiced apples, crushed stones and warm herbs. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and character. Minerally and driven, with a vertical dimension and a flavorful, focused finish of excellent length. Drink or hold.

92 points jamessuckling.com

Fournier Les Deux Cailloux Pouilly-Fumé from the Loire Valley is a stunning expression of Sauvignon Blanc that beautifully captures the elegance and minerality of this renowned French wine region. Pouilly-Fumé, located on the left bank of the Loire River, is famous for its chalky, flinty soils, which impart a distinct smoky character to the wine—an attribute that gives this wine its signature “fumé” (smoky) quality. Fournier, a family-owned winery with a long tradition of crafting exceptional wines, has created a Pouilly-Fumé that’s both fresh and complex, offering the perfect balance of fruit and minerality.

The grapes for this Pouilly-Fumé are carefully selected from the estate’s vineyards, where the unique terroir—combining flinty soils, limestone, and the region’s temperate climate—creates wines with freshness, vibrancy, and a defined mineral backbone. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity and freshness of the Sauvignon Blanc, while subtle aging on the lees adds texture and depth.

In the glass, Fournier Les Deux Cailloux Pouilly-Fumé has a pale golden color with green tinges, signaling its youthful freshness. The nose is vibrant and aromatic, with classic Sauvignon Blanc notes of citrus fruits like lemon and lime, complemented by green apple, gooseberry, and a distinctive smoky, flinty note that gives it complexity and character. Subtle floral hints and a touch of grassiness add further layers to the bouquet.

On the palate, this Pouilly-Fumé is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a refreshing minerality that is characteristic of the Loire Valley terroir. The citrus and green fruit flavors are fresh and lively, with lemon, lime, and green apple taking center stage. The wine’s minerality adds a layer of depth, while the subtle smoky note lingers on the finish, giving the wine its unique signature. The finish is clean, dry, and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of freshness and complexity.

Fournier Les Deux Cailloux Pouilly-Fumé is an incredibly versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It’s perfect with seafood, especially oysters, prawns, or grilled fish, as well as goat cheese, a classic pairing with Sauvignon Blanc. It also works wonderfully with light salads, fresh vegetables, and dishes with a bit of acidity, like ceviche or sushi. Whether enjoyed on its own or with food, this Pouilly-Fumé is a refined and refreshing wine that captures the best of the Loire Valley.