INSIDER'S PICK: 2023 BENOIT CHAUVEAU POUILLY-FUME 'CROQ SILEX' $26.99

Some of you may be say to yourselves 'What, two French Sauvignon Blancs in the Insider's Pick in back-to-back weeks? How repetitive!' Ah, but these are two VERY different expressions of the grape, about as diverse in style as you will find within the French borders. While the Boyer-De Bar last week was a unique and novel rendition, this is classic, quintessential Sauvignon Blanc, the kind that made the wines famous and desired throughout the world. The nose is all mineral-laden fruit and gunflint, everything you may have heard Pouilly-Fume described as (minus the cat-pee references). There is a little more quince and juicier white fruits as it opens up, but the nose never loses that cool flintiness. The palate is loaded with mouthwatering melon and pink grapefruit notes and a long tingly tart finish that shows off the refreshing side of this area. This is the type of wine that absolutely begs for a pairing with some of the Loire's local chevre, grilled vegetables or some shrimp.

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