Domaine Lispaul is a new project started by David and Shirley Maudry, based in Trace Sur Loire, at the heart of Pouilly Fume. Pouilly Fume is one of the most recognised wine labels of old, a staple on most restaurant wine lists. Pouilly Fume is a village in the Loire valley and legally has to be made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc fruit. This is very different to the similar sounding Pouilly Fuisse, made from 100% Chardonnay, in Burgundy.
The Maudry's specialise in getting the best from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, from small parcels of vines, expressing the local terroirs. They make a classic Pouilly Fume, and also a Menetou Salon. The 'A peu pres' meaning more or less, is also made from Sauvignon Blanc, but from fruit outside the recognised appellation areas, so it has to be labelled as a lowly table wine.
For the inquisitive, and those in the know, this is a bargain. You have quality fruit, in the hands of talented winemakers, made in exactly the same way as a Pouilly Fume, but without the price a Pouilly Fume commands. It has plenty of ripe, round citrus fruit flavours, with a steely, flinty spine and a long finish.
