Pouilly-Fumé AC

[poo-yee few-MAY] appellation that produces some of the better-known wines in the central part of France's loire region. The vineyards are scattered around seven villages including Pouilly-Sur-Loire, which lends its name to the appellation. The word fumée is French for "smoke," and it's said the name comes from the smoky or flinty quality of these wines. The only grape allowed in the Pouilly-Fumé AC is sauvignon blanc, which produces wines that are generally crisp, tart and somewhat grassy. There's some criticism that Pouilly-Fumé wines have become too well known and are now overpriced. Occasionally, Pouilly-Fumé wines also are labeled "Pouilly-Blanc-Fumé AC" or "Blanc Fumé de Pouilly AC." Pouilly-Fumé wines should not be confused with the burgundy region's pouilly-fuissé wines, which are made from chardonnay. See also pouilly-sur-loire-ac.