Introduction: Domaine Raimbault-Pineau is a family estate rooted in Sury-en-Vaux in the Sancerre appellation, now in its 13th generation under Sonia Raimbault and her children. With winemaking traditions stretching back over four centuries, the family expanded across the Loire's greatest appellations, acquiring the "La Montée des Lumeaux" parcel in Saint-Martin-sur-Nohain to produce their Pouilly-Fumé — a blend of several estate parcels vinified with the same traditional precision applied to their Sancerre wines.

Terroir: Pouilly-Fumé's appellation spans seven communes along the right bank of the Loire, with soils dating to the Cretaceous and Jurassic eras, 100 to 150 million years old. The Raimbault-Pineau parcels in Saint-Martin-sur-Nohain encompass the three classic Pouilly-Fumé soil types — calcareous caillottes, which yield fine and fruity wines; argilo-calcaire terres blanches (clay and shells), adding complexity and aromatic intensity; and the coveted silex, the hard siliceous flint that imparts the appellation's signature smoky, mineral depth. This soil diversity is the foundation of the wine's layered character.

Appearance: Pale yellow with slight greenish highlights — brilliant clarity and a light, lively viscosity in the glass.

Nose: Elegant and precise — citrus blossom, green apple, white pear, and white peach open the bouquet alongside delicate notes of elderflower and lychee. A clean, stony flint quality threads through the fruit, a hallmark of the silex soils, while subtle hints of grapefruit and almond add dimension and keep the aromatics focused and refined rather than exuberant.

Palate: Lively and mineral-driven — the palate is ample and juicy with fresh citrus, orchard fruit, and white flower notes carried on bright, mouthwatering acidity. The fine lees contact (5–6 months) adds a subtle roundness and texture that lifts the wine above simple crispness without sacrificing the freshness that defines great Pouilly-Fumé. A chalky, gunflint minerality asserts itself mid-palate and carries through cleanly to the finish.

Finish: Crisp, mineral, and lingering — citrus zest and a flinty, almost smoky stone quality fading through a clean, focused close of medium-plus length. Refreshing and mouthwatering to the end.

Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Grilled trout with lemon butter, seared branzino with capers and herbs, or a classic Loire pike with beurre blanc
🥦 Vegetarian: Asparagus with a soft-poached egg and vinaigrette, herb-crusted goat cheese tartlet, or a fresh green salad with citrus dressing
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Fresh Loire chèvre, Crottin de Chavignol, cornichons, radishes, and sliced green apple

Overall Impression: The 2023 Raimbault-Pineau Pouilly-Fumé is a classically structured, authentic expression of the appellation — fine, mineral, and food-friendly, with the precision and restraint that come from centuries of Loire winemaking tradition. With 37,000 bottles produced, it offers genuine typicity at an approachable scale. Serve well-chilled at 50–54°F; drink now through 2028.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Farming Practices: Reasoned (lutte raisonnée) viticulture; traditional vine management; multi-generational family farming; no irrigation; vineyards worked with care and attention across all plots; 80% of production exported
Producer Name: Domaine Raimbault-Pineau (Sonia Raimbault and family; 13th generation)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: AOC Pouilly-Fumé — Saint-Martin-sur-Nohain, Loire Valley; sourced from multiple estate parcels including La Montée des Lumeaux
Grape Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc 100%
Vintage: 2023
Wine Style: Dry White — Light-to-medium-bodied, mineral-driven, and aromatic, with a classic Pouilly-Fumé profile defined by Loire Valley flint soils, bright citrus fruit, and gunflint minerality. Elegant and food-versatile; built for drinking now through 2028.
Winemaking Techniques: Pneumatic pressing with careful must extraction; low-temperature fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks (16–18°C) for approximately one month; aged on fine lees for 5–6 months; blended across multiple parcels; lightly filtered before bottling; 37,000 bottles produced
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style:Cork