The history of the Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyards is inseparable from that of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation. These vineyards also date back to the 5th century, during the Gallo-Roman period. It wasn’t until the 12th century that the appellation increased in size, largely due to the monks who cultivated the vines to produce communion wine. Chasselas, the signature grape variety of this appellation, made the reputation and fortune of the Pouilly winegrowers by producing table grapes to supply the famous ‘Halles’ in Paris. This came to an end in the 19th century when phylloxera (aphid parasite of the vine) devastated the vineyards. It was only at the beginning of the 20th century that a few hectares of Chasselas were replanted in memory of this glorious period.

This appellation has the same terroir as the Pouilly-Fumé vineyard as it is demarcated by the same boundaries. Formed more than 400 million years ago by the Jurassic seas, the Pouilly terroir has been successively eroded and built up by the river. This has had the effect of multiplying its range of expressions and aromas. The Chasselas grape is particularly well-suited to this terroir, which is composed of clayey-siliceous soils, Kimmeridgian marls and clayey-limestone soils.
 

The climate is the same as that of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation with well-defined seasons, cool winters with an average temperature of 4°C and moderately hot summers with an average temperature of 23°C.

The Chasselas grape, far from its Swiss homeland, finds an ideal location in Pouilly-sur-Loire. Producing very aromatic white wines with fruity, floral, almond and hazelnut notes, the wines from this grape should be enjoyed young. The palate is crisp, fresh and well balanced, leading to a lively citrus finish.