Chateau de Tracy – Pouilly-Fume – 2020

PRODUCER NOTE:
The first members of the noble Stutt family in France came from Scotland in the fifteenth century to help the future King Charles VII of France during the Hundred Years War. In 1586, by way of marriage, the family inherited Château de Tracy. The Château is still family owned and cultivated today under the leadership of the youngest daughter Juliette d’Assay, producing classically styled, elegant wines using an organic approach.

VINEYARD:
The vineyard is located in Tracy sur Loire, on the slopes overlooking the Loire River. The 29-year old vines are planted with a south-westerly orientation to provide the maximum exposure to the sun. The clayey flint soil imparts an assertive character to the wines; they are powerful and distinct, while the calcareous Kimmeridgian subsoil produces rich, elegant wines with complex aromas. The vineyard is managed using sustainable practices, such as leaf thinning, grass ploughing and the use of butterfly lures to reduce the number of chemical treatments required. The ecological system in the vineyard is meticulously considered and practices such as intensifying the organic life in the soil and promoting synergies with the biotope of the soil, leads to the ultimate goal of producing more healthy, balanced and aromatic grapes. The grapes are hand harvested in several triages to ensure optimal maturity.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully selected, gently crushed and each of the press wines was vinified separately. A long, slow fermentation took place at low temperatures in stainless steel vats to retain the purity of fruit and the nuances of the terroir. Intervention was kept to the minimum. The wine was matured on its fine lees until the following spring, when blending of the vats took place.

TASTING NOTE:
Classic Pouilly Fumé with a complex nose of blackcurrants, boxwood and subtle hints of tarragon, followed by lemon and exotic fruits all underpinned by minerality. The palate is tangy and fresh with a lovely richness echoing the fruit flavours found on the nose. Very elegant with a long, complex finish.

GRAPE:
Sauvignon Blanc 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Loire

SUB-REGION:
Pouilly-Fumé

AWARDS:
Silver, International Wine Challenge, 2022