Blanchet has become fully aware that their boutique Pouilly-Fumé wines are highly sought-after commodities (their front door is imprinted by the knuckles of myriad importers), so you’d expect one of two outcomes: an increase in production or ramped-up prices. Most producers choose one and some get away with both, but Francis hasn’t done either and, as we’ve mentioned before, the quality of each new release seems to reach unprecedented levels. It’s a traditionally crafted, extremely affordable, must-have ‘collectible’ for anyone who admires terroir, purity, and the value of a dollar. 

Francis Blanchet has an only-in-France pedigree: his extended family has been growing Sauvignon Blanc in Pouilly-Fumé since the 1700s and are said to still have the original deed for the purchase of the vineyards. Today, Francis still remains active, but his son Mathieu has joined the ranks, representing the eighth generation. Despite their history, the estate remains rather modest in size with less than 10 hectares. That’s it. 

The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented using only ambient yeasts in stainless steel. Afterward, the resulting wine ages in steel tanks for approximately six months where it initially undergoes a bâtonnage (lees-stirring) regimen. It is then quickly bottled to preserve the freshness and strong mineral imprint. Layers of green tropical fruit, citrus, and crushed stones blast out of the glass and race around your palate with luxuriously ripe textures and zippy energy.