W3 Wine School

Fumé Blanc (USA)

The name Fumé Blanc was created by the winemaker Robert Mondavi.

The name is only used on American Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Fumé Blanc Flavors

Lime, Gooseberry, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Mango, and Guava are flavors that can be found in Fumé Blanc.

Followed by Herbal notes of Lemongrass, Blackcurrant leaves, Fresh-cut Grass, and Green Pepper (Jalapeno).

Fumé Blanc is generally partly oak aged, adding hints of Oak and Smoke.

Lime
Lime
Grapefruit
Grapefruit
Pineapple
Pineapple
Mango
Mango
Gooseberry
Gooseberry
Grass
Grass
Black Currant
Black Currant
Jalapeno
Jalapeno

Fumé Blanc Profile

Fumé Blanc is dry and acidic:

SUGAR:Dry (3 g/l)
BODY:Medium
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Fumé Blanc Food Pairing

Fumé Blanc is very food friendly. It loves Seafood, Fish and Vegetables.

It also pairs well with spicy Mexican and international food.

Vegetables
Vegetarian
Asparagus
Asparagus
Fish
Fish
Seafood
Seafood
Sushi
Sushi
Chicken
Chicken
Chili
Chili
Pork
Pork

Excellent Pairings

Vegetarian. Falafel. Baya Kyaw (Burmese Fritters).
Grilled Vegetables.
Asparagus. Avocado. Artichoke. Zucchini.
Seafood. Fish Cakes.
Grilled Shrimps. Grilled White Fish.
Grilled or Pan-Fried Salmon.
Smoked Salmon, Trout, or Eel.
Asian. Sushi. Sashimi.
Poultry. Roasted Chicken.
Pork Chops (with Lemon).
Mexican. Quesadillas. Tortilla Soup. Salsa.

American Specialities

Fish and Chips.
California Roll (Sushi).
Lemon Ginger Shrimps.


The Ideal Glass for Fumé Blanc

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass.

It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas of zesty and fruity white wines.

Fumé Blanc Cheese Pairing

Fumé Blanc is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Fumé Blanc's acidity.

Add fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Fumé Blanc.

Feta: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Soft Cheeses

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Fumé Blanc.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Chaource: Soft with a bitter nutshell flavor. A little on the salty side.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the cheese.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola has a delicate, tangy flavor that pairs well fresh and light wines with good acidity.

If You Like Fumé Blanc

You May Also Like:

Bordeaux Blanc (France)
Friulano (Italy)
Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
Lugana (Italy)
Pecorino (Italy)
Pouilly-Fumé (France)
Rioja White (Spain)
Rueda White (Spain)
Sancerre (France)
Sauvignon Blanc (France)
Tempranillo Blanco (Spain)
Torrontés (Argentina)
Verdejo (Spain)
Vermentino (Italy)
Vernaccia (Italy)

About Fumé Blanc

Originally, Robert Mondavi made sweet-style wines from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, but in 1968 he started to produce a dry version.

The dry version was called "Fumé Blanc", derived from Pouilly-Fumé, one of the most popular dry style French Sauvignon Blanc wines.


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