Blanc etc 2018 Didier Dagueneau

Blanc etc 2018 is a dry white wine from the Loire, made by Didier Dagueneau from grapes harvested from young vines in Sauvignon Blanc and grown in several plots on the hills of Saint-Andelen. In 2018, the wine was reclassified as Vin de France, and the domaine completely abandoned the Pouilly-Fumé appellation. It is the same wine, but with a different label.

During the growing season, Loire enjoyed abundant sunshine. In July and August, sunshine hours reached 600 to 625 hours, 20 to 30 percent above average, and the harvest began about two weeks earlier than usual. June was rainy, and mildew problems hit organic growers the hardest. In Sancerre, temperatures reached over 30°C during the harvest period. The harvested grapes were free of blemishes.

This balance is evident in the glass as well: Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a sense of maturity and richness while retaining its spicy character. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeast, and the wine is aged on its lees for about one year in barrels of various sizes without racking, followed by several months of tank aging before bottling. Here, oak is used to impart texture rather than flavor.

Blanc etc is the most affordable wine in this series, yet it is still made with long-term aging in mind. Try letting it breathe a bit or allowing it to age over time.