While the calcareous soil in the vineyards give the wines ample structure and the ability to age for five or more years, the vineyards of Poiully Fume typically have more clay and depth than the poorer more chalky soils of neighbouring Sancerre. This is particularly so in the prime area of Saint Andelain where most of the families vineyard holding are located. This results in wine’s showing a clarity and intensity of varietal sauvignon blanc flavour with more texture and generosity which gives the wine immediate appeal while also enabling them to age for 5 to 10 years as the wines take on a slightly honeyed richness more reminiscent of Burgundy origins.

The Dagueneau’s also have holdings in Pouilly sur Loire planted with 100% Chasselas which was planted just after phylloxera. This remarkable old vineyard of approximately 120 years age is located beside an original old Roman coble stone road leading through the vineyards heading towards Paris. These prime vineyard sites located so close to the Loire have been producing for hundreds if not thousands of years rewarding travelers with these wonderfully refreshing wines.

2009  Pouilly sur Loire (100% Chasselas from vines aged more than 110 years old) SOLD OUT 2010 due Feb 2012
Restrained and racy with intriguing notes of anise and almost briny oyster shell minerality on the super sleek and delicately sculpted palate.

“Dagueneau also makes incredible Pouilly-sur-Loire, you’ll never taste better.” Jacqueline Freidrich – A wine and food guide to the Loire

2009  Pouilly Fumé (100% Sauvignon Blanc)

Exhibits all the characters and flavours that make Loire Sauvignon Blanc so popular.  Displays racy, intense yet restrained varietal flavours, with typical mineral nuances together with notable acid back-bone. Lovely texture in the mid-palate with the crisp mineral nuances kicking in on the long finish.

“Pale, green-tinged yellow.  Orange and melon on the nose, with complicating notes of white flowers and pungent herbs.  Smooth and fleshy in the style of the vintage, with good depth to its citrus fruit and honeydew flavors.  Finishes with slow-building minerality, a repeating citrus note and very good length.” Steve Tanzers International Wine Cellar July 2011

Following notes from Jacqueline Freidrich.com (author of A Wine Guide to the Loire and The Wines of France: the essential guide for savvy shoppers):

“Serge always made brawny, flavorful, characterful Pouillys. This is still the case. Not a style that appeals to everyone, they are always honest, true to the appellation and to the vintage and faultless. There’s definitely a “there” there. I like them a lot.
If ever you need convincing that chasselas has its rightful place in the vineyards of Pouilly, taste here. Dagueneau’s chasselas vines are over 100 years old. Vines are replaced by marcottage. (Thus far, phylloxera has not been a problem.) The 2008, tasted in the summer of 2010, was a delightfully fresh and textured weave of apricot, minerals, nougat with a light saline edge. Always less alcoholic than Pouilly Fume, it weighed in at 11.8 degrees but felt and tasted ample. Superb.”