2024 Christian Salmon Pouilly Fume Les Criots AC, Loire Valley

Generations of the Salmon family have cultivated vines along the banks of the Loire, where Sauvignon Blanc reaches one of its purest expressions. Christian Salmon has built an outstanding reputation for crafting elegant, terroir driven Pouilly Fumé, capturing the freshness, minerality and understated sophistication that define this celebrated appellation.

Les Criots is sourced from vineyards planted on the region's renowned limestone and flint rich soils. These ancient terroirs, combined with a cool continental climate, allow Sauvignon Blanc to ripen slowly, preserving vibrant acidity while developing remarkable aromatic precision and the subtle smoky character for which Pouilly Fumé is famous.

The colour is a brilliant pale straw with green highlights. Aromas of grapefruit, white peach and lime zest are joined by elderflower, fresh herbs and a delicate flinty note. The palate is crisp yet beautifully textured, combining bright citrus and orchard fruit with lively acidity and a distinctive mineral backbone. A gentle smoky nuance lingers through a long, refreshing finish of impressive purity.

A wonderful companion to freshly shucked oysters, grilled King George whiting, asparagus with hollandaise, goat's cheese tart or zucchini and mint fritters. Enjoy over the next three to five years while its vibrant fruit and mineral freshness are at their peak.