Masson-Blondelet Pouilly-Fumé “Les Angelots”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Les Angelots is a 5-hectare plot composed of vines between 18 and 35 years old that sit on Portlandian limestone.
- Exposition is south-south east.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: Immediate pressing to avoid skin contact or oxidation. Super gentle handling, fermentation in stainless, long time on lees, no malolactic.
Tasting Notes: “The hard limestone and chalk soil has given this wine its distinctive minerality and wonderful acidity. Rich and juicy, it has intense yellow and green fruits that are laced with lime acidity. The wine has depth with concentrated fruitiness.” – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
PRESS
2014 – 90 Decanter | 92 Wine Enthusiast
2017 – 92 Wine Enthusiast
2018 – 91 Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 91 Wine Enthusiast
2020 – 91 Wine Enthusiast
2021 – 92 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Michelle and Jean-Michel Masson created Domaine Masson-Blondelet after marrying one another in 1975. Both came from Loire winegrowing families and brought with them cru holdings in Pouilly Fume and Sancerre totaling 21 hectares.
Three basic soil types exist in Pouilly-Fume – Kimmeridgian Marl, Flint, and Hard Limestone. Because each of the Domain’s vineyards sit on one of these soil types, Masson-Blondelet vinifies and bottles each vineyard separately (Les Angelots, Villa Paulis, and Les Pierres de Pierre for Pouilly Fume and Thauvenay for Sancerre).
The seventh generation is now involved – Son Pierre-Francois manages the Domaine’s vineyard work (organic philosophy), and daughter Melanie manages company sales and assists with winemaking (natural philosophy). Total production is small, about 120,000 bottles per year.