We continue with our tribute to Robert Mondavi. Fume Blanc, which grape it that? Well, it’s not a grape or at least the Fume part is not a grape. Blanc is from Sauvignon Blanc (blanc = white). Fume Blanc is one part wine style and one part marketing effort thanks to 
Robert Mondavi. The name Fume comes from the Pouilly Fume region of France known for Sauvignon Blanc that is often aged in oak barrels. In the late 60’s Sauvignon Blanc had a poor reputation due to a tendency to be either too sweet or too grassy. Mondavi decided to aim more for the style of the Pouilly Fume Region (dry and with oak) and wanted to steer around the reputation issue. So he named the wine Fume Blanc.
Wine: 2015 Robert Mondavi Napa Fume Blanc – 50th Anniversary
Price: $10.79 from Total Wine
Composition: 96% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Semillion
Sight: very light in color, lighter than straw
Nose: peach, honey suckle, mineral,
Taste: a plus body for a Sauvignon Blanc, mineral and gravel, citrus pithy, grape fruit
Overall: I bet we drink move Sauvignon Blanc than 99.999% of the world. Maybe 150-200 bottles per year. We try every bottle we can find. I would have a Sauvignon Blanc only blog, but we would have even less followers 🙂 Fume Blanc is different and this is no exception. The oak clearly changes the wine and adds complexity.
What the Pros Say:
“90 Points – Pithy, with grapefruit and lemon peel flavors, this wine is deceptively crisp and light on the nose, offering a wealth of body and lushness on the palate, accented with nutmeg and peach. It includes 4% Semillon, partly from the winery’s beloved To Kalon vineyard.” – Wine Enthusiast
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