Sauvignon Blanc grown on Chablis-style chalk, from across the river from Sancerre.
The story
Domaine Francis Blanchet is a family estate in Pouilly-sur-Loire, directly across the river from Sancerre. The family counts eight generations of winemakers. Francis has made the Sauvignon Blanc since the early 1990s, and his son Mathieu has joined him. The estate is small, about 23 acres. “Calcite” is named for the chalky, limestone-heavy Kimmeridgian marl its vines grow in, the same kind of soil as Chablis. It gives the wine a sea-salt, seashell mineral edge.
In the glass
Sea salt, crushed seashell and citrus rind on the nose, with green tropical fruit and crushed stone. The palate is bright and crisp, with juicy acidity and a long, fine finish.
On the table
- Shrimp ceviche with jalapeño (the Texas pairing)
- Gulf oysters
- Fresh Loire goat cheese
- Grilled redfish with lemon
- Asparagus and herb salads
Wine Dad tip
Serve well chilled, about 46°F. No decanting needed. Drinking window: now through 2026.
Quick facts
- Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Appellation: Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, France
- Winemaking: Hand-harvested, native yeast, stainless steel, on fine lees
- ABV: 13%
- Score: Falstaff 90+ (Ulrich Sautter, March 2025)
- Importer: North Berkeley Imports
You may also like
More from Blanchet
Recently viewed