The wine appellation of Quincy

Quincy

Pouilly Fumé’s smoky “gunflint” aroma is its trademark, especially notable in wines grown on limestone soils. Unlike Sancerre, its neighbor on the left bank of the Loire, Pouilly Fumé is dedicated exclusively to the production of white wine, growing Sauvignon Blanc and in the case of AOC Pouilly-sur-Loire, Chasselas.

It should not be confused with Pouilly-Fuissé - a Chardonnay-based wine from southern Burgundy.

This is an ancient wine producing region, with records going back to the Roman period nearly two thousand years ago. Until the 1890's and the epidemics of Mildew and Phylloxera, which wiped out most of the vines, the region was equally know for its red wines.

The production of wine from Chasselas grapes is a reminder of the importance of eating grape cultivation between 1860 and 1890, for the markets of Paris.

The vineyards of Quincy

Location: 18 communes comprise the appellation, which is located on the right bank of the Loire in the Nièvre department.

Vineyards: Pouilly-Fumé wine is produced in Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain, Tracy-sur-Loire (village Boisgibault), Saint-Laurent-l'Abbaye, Mesves-sur-Loire, Saint-Martin-sur-Nohain and Garchy.

Surface Area: Pouilly Fumé: 1,200 hectares / 2,965 acres Pouilly-sur-Loire: 40 hectares / 99 acres

Yeild: 65 hl/ha

Soil: Several types of soil are found here: limestone (aka “caillottes”) on the east and west sides of the vineyard, Kimmerdigin limestone with oyster traces (“marne à huitre”) and limestone-clay and flinty-clay.

Climate: Temperate with a continental tendency (hot summers, cold winters). Rainfall averages 24-31 inches per year.

Wines of AOC Quincy

Annual Production: Pouilly Fumé: 70,400 hl / 1,859,771 gallons Pouilly-sur-Loire: 2,000 hl / 52,834 gallons

Grape Varieties: Pouilly Fumé: Sauvignon Blanc; Pouilly-sur-Loire: Chasselas.

Tasting notes

White Appearance: Pale straw yellow.

Nose: Pouilly-Fumé - Intense aromas of grapefruit and white flowers, frequently with herbal and mineral notes. Sauvignon is very sensitive to fluctuations in natural conditions - climate and microclimate, altitude and exposure. Pouilly-sur-Loire - Pleasant, soft fruit notes.

Flavours: Pouilly-Fumé - Light-to-medium-bodied with crisp acidity, bright citrus flavors and flinty minerality. Pouilly-sur-Loire - Light-to-medium-bodied and easy drinking, typically with a lower alcohol than Pouilly Fumé. Fresh, nutty aromas.

Serving suggestions AOC Pouilly Fumé A versatile wine to pair with everything from grilled fish to scallops to roast pork, and the cheese board.

Serving suggestions AOC Pouilly-sur-Loire wines Try with fried shrimp, charcuterie and simple pasta salads.

Storage Drink young and fresh, 2-3 years.