Rocks on the Nose: Pouilly Fuissè

When it comes to celebrating a change in the weather, wine isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind.  But, believe it or not, some wines actually have flavors that remind of “wet rocks” or “fresh flowery earth” enhanced by an approaching storm.

However, achieving earthy bouquets and flavors without tasting moldy or musky is the trick here, and fortunately for wine aficionados, the French vintners are pros at it.

It is well-known that one of the best regions of France for earthy flavors is Burgundy.  And one of their best Burgundy wine growing regions for rocky, mineral, flavors is the Pouilly Fuissè appellation.  Their white wines use the Chardonnay grape and many people simply call it “un-oaked Chardonnay”.  But, it goes further than that.

They have managed to blend fresh floral, apple, and mineral flavors so well that many tasters actually remark about a reminder of an approaching weather front with brisk earthy air in the bouquet.  So what better rainy day wine than a Pouilly Fuissè?

Thanks to Total Wine’s direct arrangement with some premium producers, you can enjoy a change in the weather with a little flavor enhancement!  Pick up a bottle of Domaine Roger Luquet Pouilly Fuissè for about $25, combine with fresh salad and lemon-seasoned seafood; then enjoy the rain dressed appropriately from the comfort of the patio.

Chill in the fridge for about 40 minutes (55 degrees).  Do not cool it down too much because the delicate mineral flavors will be too muted.  It seems that the French do not like to serve their white wines very cold, but prefer to bring them up from the cellar, open, and pour.  That’s probably why they create them on the lighter side.

Enjoy this international standard with the next local storm, it’s sure to be a thunderous combination!  This is a “must have with food”, very zippy acid.

Article by Tom Peiffer, Phoenix Wine Shopping Examiner at Examiner.com

View more of Tom’s articles on Examiner.com by visiting his writer’s page.