Domaine Didier Dagueneau, Jardins de Babylone Moëlleux, Vin de France, Loire, France ***On Allocation***, 2020

Producer Profile

Domaine Didier Dagueneau – Iconic Pouilly-Fumé with a cult following!

Founded in 1982 by the legendary Didier Dagueneau, this celebrated estate in Saint-Andelain, in the heart of Pouilly-Fumé, produces some of the most distinctive and sought-after Sauvignon Blancs in the world. Revered by collectors and sommeliers alike, Dagueneau wines are benchmarks not only for Pouilly-Fumé but for the entire Loire Valley – including top-tier Sancerres. Didier came from a winemaking family but first found fame as a champion motorcycle sidecar racer before becoming a revolutionary force in the wine world. Unafraid to challenge convention, he transformed the image of Pouilly-Fumé through the apdoption of low yields, biodynamic farming, horse-drawn ploughing, and meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard and cellar. His wines became known for their power, precision and ageworthiness, showcasing the pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc with a flinty, mineral-driven edge. Oak ageing and extended lees contact add depth, texture, and complexity, making these wines stand out on any wine list. Today, Didier’s son Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau carries the torch, upholding his father’s legacy with the same uncompromising standards. Under his guidance, the domaine remains a symbol of innovation and excellence.

Viticulture

The Jardins de Babylone vineyard is a breathtaking, high-altitude site near Pau in the Jurançon appellation, perched on steep terraces of fractured blue slate. Farmed biodynamically, this small vineyard is worked entirely by hand and horse. The late-harvested Petit Manseng grapes are picked over several passes to ensure perfect botrytis and raisin-like concentration, while maintaining natural acidity.

Winemaking

Fermented slowly with indigenous yeasts in neutral oak demi-muids, the wine develops texture and aromatic complexity without masking freshness. Residual sugar is balanced by firm natural acidity. Ageing on fine lees in the same vessels allows the wine to evolve with nuance. No fining, no filtration, and minimal sulphur at bottling safeguard its vibrancy and purity.

Tasting Note

This moelleux expression of Petit Manseng is radiant and poised, offering both sweetness and spine. The nose is exotic yet refined, with notes of candied citrus peel, acacia honey, dried pineapple, and fresh ginger. On the palate, it is silky and lifted, balancing mango and preserved lemon with vibrant acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Lush but never cloying, it wears its sweetness with grace.

Food Matching

Blue cheese and walnut tart, apricot-glazed duck liver parfait, or spiced Moroccan tagine with preserved lemon and almonds.