The Producer
Domaine Dagueneau, located in Saint-Andelain, in the heart of the Loire, was founded by the iconic winemaker François Dagueneau in the 1980s. From the very beginning, he challenged the norms of Pouilly-Fumé by developing an ultra-precise and respectful approach to the vine, combining technical rigor with a passion for the pure expression of the terroir. His innovative vision quickly made the estate a must-visit reference for Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts.
The estate spans several plots spread across the best hills of Pouilly-Fumé. The soils are varied: flint, clay, limestone, offering distinct aromatic nuances to each wine. François Dagueneau has always favored demanding viticultural practices, with limited yields and particular attention to grape maturity, allowing the wines to faithfully reflect the minerality and purity of the terroir.
Today, Domaine Dagueneau continues to produce wines of great precision, rich in expression and length, under the direction of the team led by François Dagueneau. Its iconic cuvées, such as Silex or Pur Sang, are sought after by collectors and sommeliers around the world, embodying both the tradition and excellence of an exceptional terroir.
The Wine
- Harvest: Manual, with rigorous selection of fully ripe grapes to ensure the quality of the fruit.
- Viticulture: Very low yields, limestone and siliceous soils, reasoned practices, natural treatments, and plowing to preserve biodiversity.
- Pressing: Gentle and gradual, to extract the juice without altering freshness and minerality.
- Fermentation: In oak barrels and large casks, with controlled temperature to preserve the primary aromas of Sauvignon blanc.
- Aging: Long on fine lees, with moderate bâtonnage, enriching the texture while maintaining purity and mineral tension.
- Bottling: Without filtration, to preserve the full aromatic expression and aging potential of the wine.
Tasting
The Silex cuvée stands out for its remarkable aromatic intensity, blending notes of flint, citrus, and white flowers. The palate is taut and mineral, with a silky texture and long persistence. This exceptional wine has a aging potential of 10 to 40 years, improving and gaining complexity over time.