Pouilly-Fumé AOC
Prestigious Loire Valley appellation producing minerally, flinty Sauvignon Blanc exclusively; the 'fumé' reference derives from the gunflint character from Kimmeridgian limestone and flint soils.
Permitted Varieties
Key Regulatory Constraints
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Maximum yield 60 hl/ha (65 hl/ha butoir)
- Minimum natural potential alcohol 10%
- No oak aging traditionally (producer discretion)
Pouilly-Fumé AOC
Technical Summary
- Classification: AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)
- Legal status: Protected Designation of Origin under EU wine regulations
- Country: France
- Region: Loire Valley (Centre-Loire)
- Geographic scope: Communes around Pouilly-sur-Loire, Nièvre department
- Area under vine: ~1,400 hectares
- Core product: Dry white wine from Sauvignon Blanc exclusively
“Fumé” Etymology:
- Refers to “smoky” or “gunflint” character
- Derived from silex (flint) soils, not winemaking technique
- Distinct from “Fumé Blanc” (California marketing term for oaked Sauvignon)
Verified Constraints:
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Maximum yield: 60 hl/ha (butoir 65 hl/ha)
- Minimum natural potential alcohol: 10%
- White wines only
Regulatory Constraints (Verified)
Ampelographic Composition
Single variety (mandatory):
- Sauvignon Blanc: 100%
- No other varieties permitted
Yield Limits
- Maximum yield (rendement de base): 60 hl/ha
- Butoir (ceiling): 65 hl/ha
- Premium producers: Often 45-55 hl/ha
Minimum Alcohol
- Minimum natural potential alcohol: 10% ABV
- Typical actual alcohol: 12-13.5% ABV
Vinification Requirements
- White wines only
- No mandatory oak aging (traditionally unoaked)
- Stainless steel fermentation standard
- MLF blocked typically
Vineyard Regulations
- Minimum planting density: 5,500 vines/ha
- Training systems: Guyot simple dominant
- Pruning: Maximum 8 buds per vine
Soil Types and Terroir
Silex (Flint):
- Chalky flint deposits
- Produces characteristic “gunflint” minerality
- “Fumé” character most pronounced
- Ageworthy wines
Kimmeridgian Limestone (Marnes Kimméridgiennes):
- Same geological formation as Chablis
- Produces more mineral, structured wines
- Higher acidity retention
Portlandian Limestone (Calcaires de Portlandian):
- White chalky limestone
- Rounder, fruitier wines
- Slightly softer acidity
Clay-Limestone (Argilo-Calcaire):
- Mixed soils
- Balance of fruit and minerality
Enological Implications
Evidence-backed:
- Sauvignon Blanc on silex produces distinctive smoky, flinty aromatics
- High natural acidity (TA 6-8 g/L); pH typically 3.1-3.3
- Thiol aromatics prominent (citrus, grapefruit, passionfruit)
- Cooler continental climate than Sancerre (marginally)
Operational observation:
- Reductive winemaking preserves varietal aromatics
- Oxidation management critical
- Stainless steel fermentation dominant
- Sur lie aging emerging (3-6 months) for premium cuvées
- Protein stability essential (bentonite fining)
- Earlier bottling (spring/summer post-harvest) for freshness
Frequent Compliance Risks
- Varietal requirement: Must be 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Yield exceedance: 60 hl/ha base limit; 65 hl/ha ceiling
- Geographic boundaries: Only authorized communes qualify
- Confusion with Pouilly-sur-Loire: Different AOC (Chasselas grape); same geographic area
- Fumé Blanc confusion: California marketing term; no relation to AOC
Comparison with Sancerre AOC
| Parameter | Pouilly-Fumé | Sancerre |
|---|---|---|
| Grape | Sauvignon Blanc only | Sauvignon Blanc (white); Pinot Noir (red/rosé) |
| Location | Right bank of Loire | Left bank of Loire |
| Signature | Flinty, smoky (“fumé”) | Citrus, mineral, gooseberry |
| Soils | Silex, Kimmeridgian, Portlandian | Similar + more diversity |
| Area | ~1,400 ha | ~2,900 ha (larger) |
Relevant Grape Varieties
- Sauvignon Blanc - sole permitted variety (100%)
References
-
INAO (2011). “Cahier des Charges de l’Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Pouilly-Fumé.” Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité. https://www.inao.gouv.fr
-
European Commission (2024). “eAmbrosia - EU Geographical Indications Register: Pouilly-Fumé.” https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eambrosia
-
Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre (2024). https://www.vins-centre-loire.com
Last Updated: January 6, 2026