At a glance

Producer

Didier Dagueneau

Region

Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$200-$400

Tasting profile

Expressive smoke and flint minerality with vibrant citrus and herbal notes, lively acidity, and medium body.

Evolution: From fresh citrus and gunflint to more complex honeyed, smoky and saline notes in the mid to long term.

At peak: Balanced complexity of mineral flintiness with elegant texture and lifted fruit, perfect with age.

Structure

Acidity

High

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

20+ years due to high acidity, minerality and structure

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2043

Optimal window

2015 to 2046

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

Wine is still fresh with evolving complexity, notable minerality and acidity

Didier Dagueneau’s Silex is renowned for extraordinary minerality and structure from its silex (flint) rich soils in Pouilly-Fumé. High acidity and powerful flavor profile allow long-term aging well beyond a decade, with an ideal peak about 7-15 years from vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, and light poultry dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Didier Dagueneau was noted for meticulous vineyard management with minimal intervention, use of cover crops, and ecological practices emphasizing soil health and biodiversity.

Although not officially certified organic or biodynamic, the producer was famed for sustainable and natural viticulture methods focused on low chemical usage and preserving terroir expression, which contribute to a relatively low environmental impact compared to industrial viticulture.