Jonathan Didier Pabiot is the new superstar winemaker from Pouilly-Fumé! Two prime hectares of Sauvignon Blanc vines were given to him from his grandfather in 2005. He quickly converted to organic viticulture and created the much sought-after, high-end cuvées Prédeliction and Aubaine. Just as their high quality inversely mirrors their low availability, there are whispers that Jonathan is among those who carry the torch of the late, great winemaker Didier Dagueneau. Jonathan hand ploughs the soil to encourage deep rooting, and uses organic compost throughout the vineyard. He debuds in the springtime—a technique of removing certain buds to increase quality in the remaining ones—though he does not green harvest. Upon harvesting by hand, the vines yield an average of 30 hectoliters per hectare.

Jonathan Pabiot is dedicated to organic farming. That isn’t easy in the Loire where rain will come. His wines show the result of all of his effort in the vineyards with white flower, peach, citrus and honeysuckle notes carried on a framework of bright acidity and minerality. This is one of the best values for a super seafood wine.