Didier Dagueneau Pur Sang

About this wine

Pur Sang, meaning 'Thoroughbred' in French, is one of the crown jewels of Domaine Didier Dagueneau's Pouilly-Fumé lineup. Sourced from the Les Bouchots vineyard, characterized by Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils, this cuvée offers a distinctly different character from the renowned Silex: where Silex delivers flint-driven intensity and laser-like precision from siliceous soils, Pur Sang is rounder, more opulent, and texturally generous — yet equally complex and age-worthy. Barrel-fermented in custom 600-liter 'cigare' oak barrels and aged on fine lees with minimal intervention, the wine expresses vibrant citrus, white flower, and subtle chalky minerality with a long, silk-textured finish.

Sommelier's Note

"While Silex gets all the headlines, Pur Sang's Kimmeridgian richness makes it the more immediately pleasurable bottle — and the one I reach for at the dinner table."

Food Pairings

Pairs exquisitely with grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops with citrus butter, fresh oysters, goat cheese (Crottin de Chavignol), roasted chicken, and river fish preparations. Its limestone-derived roundness and rich texture complement cream-based sauces particularly well.

When to drink it

Ideal for milestone celebrations, sophisticated dinner parties, fine dining with exceptional seafood, and as a benchmark bottle for any serious Sauvignon Blanc tasting.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc

Style

White

Price Range

¥25,000-40,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Sourced from the Les Bouchots vineyard in Pouilly-Fumé. The Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils lend greater roundness and texture compared to the siliceous Silex vineyard. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness with very low yields (typically under 30 hl/ha). Fermentation takes place in custom-made 450-600L oval 'cigare' oak barrels. The wine is aged on fine lees for approximately 12-18 months with bâtonnage, then bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve maximum terroir expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pur Sang taste like?

Expect vibrant citrus, ripe white peach, white flowers, and a subtle chalky minerality — all framed by a silky, round texture and a long, elegant finish.

How does Pur Sang differ from Silex?

Silex comes from flint-rich soils and delivers intense, razor-sharp minerality. Pur Sang comes from Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils (Les Bouchots), giving it a rounder, more opulent, and more approachable character — though both reward long cellaring.

When is the best time to drink Pur Sang?

It is accessible young (3-5 years), but reaches full complexity between 8-15 years after the vintage. Exceptional years can evolve beautifully for 20+ years.

What food pairs best with Pur Sang?

The wine shines with grilled lobster, seared scallops, oysters, fresh goat cheese, and poultry. Its limestone-derived roundness also makes it ideal for cream sauces and delicate Japanese cuisine including sashimi and seafood tempura.

Is Pur Sang worth the price?

Absolutely. It represents one of the world's benchmark expressions of Sauvignon Blanc from one of the Loire Valley's greatest producers. The complexity and longevity make it worth every penny.