2023 Pouilly-Fumé, Domaine de Bel Air, Loire, France

The Domaine de Bel Air 2023 vintage in the Loire began with a cool and relatively rainy winter which replenished soil water reserves after the hot and dry 2022 vintage. The vineyards largely escaped the threat of spring frosts and flowering and fruit set took place under excellent dry and sunny conditions at the end of May. It was very dry during July and August and some welcome showers arrived in September and gave the vines a necessary boost to complete the final stages of ripening. The harvest began in mid-September and the quality of the fruit was excellent.