From: Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Taste and Critical Acclaim: “The 2020 Blanc etc. is developing into a mellow style with the richness of the vintage showing. It is what the French would call gourmand and, close to three years after being harvested, has entered a delectable stage of its evolution. Yes, it's still young but has improved and opened up since tasting a year ago. It now offers baked apple, honey and pastry flavors while retaining freshness. It is long and concentrated with a firm sense of structure, doing the mouth equivalent of providing a firm, reassuring handshake, likely due to the clay-flint soils, which make up two-thirds of the blend.” –Vinous, 93 points
Pairing: This wine brings a convergence of brightness, lush flavors, and deep minerality that will beautifully complement grilled or baked white fish (like cod or sea bass), oysters or clams, and seafood that carries more weight, say salmon or tuna. It will also pair well with roasted white meats and light pasta or risotto dishes, particularly when prepared with a lemony or herby profile. Of course, this wine is also a wonderful match for green salads, especially those featuring goat cheese (baked over crostini or fresh), arugula, or asparagus. We recommend the following recipe for Corn and Cod Green Curry by Ali Slagle; it’s the perfect match for the wine with its vibrant flavors and weight that spotlights freshness and silky textures. (Just don’t over-do it with the Chile spice.)
Corn and Cod Green Curry
By Ali Slagle
About. Domaine Didier Dagueneau, is located in the Loire Valley's Pouilly-Fumé appellation. Founded by Didier Dagueneau in the 1980s, the estate quickly rose to prominence, challenging the conventions of winemaking in the region. Didier, a man of strong convictions and a deep knowledge of viticulture and botany, was known for his unorthodox methods, which included low yields, rigorous selection, and a commitment to biodynamic principles.
Born into a family of winemakers in the village of St Andelain in Pouilly-Fumé, Didier Dagueneau was an outsider with a rebellious spirit. His early life was marked by a love for adventure, including a stint as a motorcycle sidecar racer. This fearless attitude carried over into his winemaking, where he was unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what was possible in Pouilly-Fumé. His wines, particularly his iconic Silex and Pur Sang, are celebrated for their precision, minerality, and ability to express the region's unique terroir.
Dagueneau's vineyards, located on some of the finest terroirs in Pouilly-Fumé, are meticulously cared for, focusing on sustainability and respect for the land. He was an early adopter of biodynamic practices, believing that the health of the soil and vines was integral to producing wines of character and depth. His commitment to quality extended to every aspect of production, from hand-harvesting to the use of custom oak barrels for fermentation and aging.
Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau and Charlotte Dagueneau now run Domaine Didier Dagueneau. Louis-Benjamin, often referred to as Benjamin, was already deeply involved in the winemaking process alongside his father before Didier's untimely death in 2008 in a plane crash. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Benjamin has maintained the estate's high standards while introducing his innovations to the winemaking process. His work ensures that the wines continue to receive critical acclaim and remain highly sought after. While less involved in the day-to-day winemaking, Charlotte plays a significant role in managing the estate's administrative and management aspects. She has also embarked on her winemaking project in the Loire Valley, further expanding the Dagueneau family's regional influence. Together, Benjamin and Charlotte uphold the values and vision that their father instilled, ensuring that the wines of Domaine Didier Dagueneau remain faithful to the unique terroir of Pouilly-Fumé and the distinctive style that Didier pioneered.
The wines from Domaine Didier Dagueneau are produced in the Loire Valley, France, under the Vin de France appellation. The estate's renowned cuvées, including the 2020 Blanc etc, are crafted from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in a complex mix of chalky limestone, clay, and silex, which contributes to the distinctive minerality and character of the wines. The vineyards are managed biodynamically, with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, ensuring the health of the vines and the land. The domaine employs twice the number of employees than a conventional winery would use for the same acreage. As a result, they produce, on the average, 75% of the yields common to neighboring wineries.
The 2020 Domaine Didier Dagueneau Blanc etc is produced from holdings of younger vines and from parcels not located on the St. Andelain village hill, planted on Kimmeridgean and clay-limestone soils. It was fermented and aged in tank.
