Carl Loewen Riesling Alte Reben 2021 vs Domaine de Maltaverne Pouilly-Fume 2025

Domaine de Maltaverne Pouilly-Fume 2025

Domaine de Maltaverne Pouilly-Fumé is a benchmark expression of Sauvignon Blanc from one of the Loire 's most quietly assured producers. Gilles Maudry farms his kimmeridgian-soiled vineyards organically and vinifies with a rare hands-off conviction, producing a dry white wine of striking mineral precision and genuine depth. A wine that rewards those who seek out fine French white wine at its most authentic. Why You'll Love It This is Pouilly-Fumé at its most characterful. Where many producers in the appellation curtail malolactic fermentation to preserve sharp acidity, Gilles Maudry allows it to run its full natural course, a deliberate and rare choice that adds texture and roundness without sacrificing the wine's signature mineral edge. Fifteen months on fine lees build further complexity, resulting in a wine that is simultaneously crisp and richly layered. Outstanding quality from a producer who lets the terroir do the talking. Vineyard & Production The vineyards are planted on kimmeridgian soil, fossilised clay-chalk prized for its ability to deliver low yields and exceptional mineral intensity, with south-southwest-facing slopes for maximum sun exposure. The vineyard is managed organically. Harvesting is carried out by hand and machine depending on conditions. In the winery, fermentation is driven entirely by indigenous yeasts, full malolactic fermentation runs its natural course, and the wine spends 15 months in contact with fine lees, enriching flavour and freshness. The estate's distinctive label depicts ammonite fossil shells found in the vineyard, sketched by a wine lover after a memorable tasting. Tasting Notes Ripe gooseberry and guava on the nose, with citrus zest and a classic herbaceous lift. On the palate, the wine is steely and dry with a thread of gunflint minerality running through the mid-palate. Elegant and multi-layered, with a long, fresh finish. Awarded 92/100 by WINE Magazine: "Lemon zest on the nose and the palate. Ripe guava, good acidity,