The Fumé Blanc
Grape
A term coined by Robert Mondavi in the 1960s for Sauvignon Blanc that has been fermented or aged in oak, transforming the wine's profile. Fumé Blanc wines typically exhibit smoky, toasty characteristics, along with the varietal's inherent flavors of citrus, grass, and tropical fruits, offering a richer texture compared to unoaked versions.
Fumé Blanc
Grape History
Fumé Blanc is a white wine grape variety that is actually synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, despite having a separate identity. The term "Fumé Blanc" was popularized by California winemaker Robert Mondavi in the late 1960s as a marketing ploy intended to give Sauvignon Blanc a more sophisticated and toasty image, inspired by the famous Pouilly-Fumé wines of France. This initiative was successful, and Fumé Blanc quickly gained popularity among wine enthusiasts around the world.
Though the name Fumé Blanc might sound French, it is actually of American origin. Robert Mondavi chose the name specifically to differentiate his style of Sauvignon Blanc from the more traditional, herbaceous style that was commonly associated with the grape at the time.
Fumé Blanc thrives in a variety of regions across the world, but it has found particular success in California, particularly in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. These warmer climates help the grape to fully ripen, resulting in rich, aromatic wines with tropical fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and a characteristic herbal note.
Fumé Blanc is typically made into dry, unoaked wines that are best enjoyed young to preserve their fresh and vibrant flavors. These wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of foods, making them popular choices for both casual gatherings and elegant dinners.
Looking towards the future, Fumé Blanc continues to be a popular choice for wine lovers who appreciate its bright acidity, aromatic profile, and food-friendly nature. As consumers become more interested in exploring unique and lesser-known grape varieties, there is likely to be a growing appreciation for the distinct qualities of Fumé Blanc. Additionally, climate change may lead to new opportunities for the cultivation of Fumé Blanc in regions that were previously unsuitable, potentially expanding its geographical reach and increasing its popularity even further.
In conclusion, Fumé Blanc is a versatile and intriguing white grape variety with a fascinating history and a bright future ahead. Its unique characteristics and ability to adapt to different growing conditions make it a favorite among winemakers and consumers alike, ensuring its enduring place in the world of wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel