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CHATEAU DE TRACY, POUILLY FUME
Pouilly Fumé is one of the Loire's most famous wines, perfumed dry whites that epitomise the Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Sauvignon here is often called Blanc Fumé because wines made from this variety when grown on the predominantly limestone soils with some flint (silex) exhibit a smoky flavour.
The first members of the Scottish noble Stutt family in France were members of a large army that came from Scotland in the fifteenth century to help the future King Charles VII of France during the Hundred Years War. After naturalisation, their name was gallicised to become d'Estutt. In 1586, Francois Stutt married Françoise de Bar who brought with her the dowry of the Lordship of Tracy, where the tradition of vine growing had been taking place for centuries. A purchase agreement dated 1396, kept in the family records, include the vineyards of Château de Tracy still family owned and cultivated today under the leadership of the Compte Henry d'Estutt d'Assay.
An organic approach to viticulture is followed but the Château is not certified as being organic. No pesticides are used, yields are kept very low and strict canopy management is used. The Château uses vine-training systems that result in a well-ventilated canopy and therefore can reproduce conditions that are not conductive to the growth of fungi thus avoiding the need to spray the vines.
Chateau de Tracy is considered to be one of the stars of the Upper Loire.
Grapes: 100% Estate grown Sauvignon Blanc
Soil: Limestone and flint
Winemaking: A careful selection of grapes were hand-picked and then softly crushed. Low temperature fermentation took place with several stirring of the lees.
Serve: Chilled as an aperitif or to accompany fish dishes such as sole, salmon or trout.
Taste: A well-balanced fine dry white wine that is full and round on the palate, with a fruity and flinty bouquet and a lingering finish.
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