Sancerre Blanc Cuvée Prestige
Sancerre Blanc Cuvée Prestige
Vintage
Fairly mild winter with an early plant emergence as a consequence. Bue-break happens two weeks in advance to the normal, followed in May by a hot and dry season. Idal climate for the vine development, giving a lot of work to accompany the growth of the plant. Flowering is happening in ideal conditions; rain finally comes in June after fear of predicted drought. Veraison's going smoothly and the warm weather lasts until the harvest starting August 31st. The first juices point to a sunny vintage that keeps a beautiful balance
Terroir
Limestone, locally known as “griottes” dating back to the Oxfordian stage,
Steep slopes, shallow soil, easy to work and well-drained, planted at the bottom of the slope (230m in altitude) facing due south
Cultivation practices
Cover crop or complete hoeing depending on terroir and situation
Guyot poussard pruning
Integrated crop protection
Organic fertilizers since 1989
Hand-harvested
The vines
Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Age of the vines: 60 years
Average planting density: 7,000 vines/hectare
Vinification
The grapes are handpicked
The entire bunches of grapes are fed into pneumatic presses via a conveyor belt so as not to bruise the skins
Fermentation and vinification in wooden "cigars" (320l) and "demi-muids" (600l) during 10 months before racking
Bottled after 5 other months in vats, in December 2023
Tasting notes – 2022 vintage
Visual: bright golden yellow
Nose: expressive and elegant, mineral notes mingle with citrus fruit aromas (mandarines). Hints of acacia flower and vanilla enrich the wine bouquet
Palate: supple and delicate, roundness and freshness nicely balanced, it offers flavours of apricot jam enhanced by a touch of vanilla cream and spices. As a sign of well-mastered vinification, the texture is rich and velvety, yet not heavy, and highlighted by a pleasantly salty finish
Serving temperature: 10 to 12°C
An ideal match with lobster tournedos, pike-perch in cream sauce, or poultry with crayfish and cream