14.5% abv, Joseph Verdier, Montreuil-Bellay, imported by MISA Imports, Dallas, TX. Cork closure: plastic. Biodynamic calendar: unfavorable day.
The wines of Pouilly-Fumé AOC share the Loire River with Sancerre, but occupy a smaller swath of land of the right bank fo the river where flint stones occupy the soil and the wines can take on a smoky mineral edge along with the characteristic citrus, stonefruit and grassy character of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc (unlike Sancerre, only white wines are produced under the appellation).
Once a family domaine, Joseph Verdier became part of the Group Taillan Bordelais in 1965 with an aim for big production and export markets. The company today has scale and produces a range of wines that include organic labels and prestige cuvées. The cuvée ‘Les Remparts du Bellay’ is an inexpensive bottle as part of their entry range and the 2019 vintage is notable for the high alcohol and noticeable sweetness.
Tasting note: the Bellay is medium gold in color with a clean nose of medium intensity with aromas of apple mint, lychee blossom, lemongrass, sour pear cider, pitaya, and some leesy hazelnut. On the palate this wine is off-dry with a noticeable sweetness, medium+ acidity, medium+ alcohol, medium+ body, pronounced flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of rosehip, quince, dragonfruit, pear drop, and a chalky mineral edge. For how shy this wine is on the nose, it really packs a punch in flavor and finish; overall, I found this wine to be rather enjoyable, if not atypical . . . if you can get past the off-dry nature. Honestly, I didn’t expect much based on the modest package and low price, but sometimes magic strikes in a warm and prosperous vintage like 2019. What can we expect from the wines of Sancerre and Upper Loire River in the era of global warming? Drink now: this wine is good 8.8/10.