Sancerre Blanc Les Calcaires
Sancerre Blanc Les Calcaires
Vintage
After an early plant emergence in the first days of April, frost damages considerably the newly emerging buds all over the domaine. Low temperatures in May completely stop the growth before the warmth of June speeds up things, making the work in the vineyards quite complicated since at the same time, intense crop protection is necessary due to persistent rainfall Lack of sunlight slows maturation, but at least, provides an appreciable sugar-acidity balance. The Sauvignon grapes are harvested between Sept. 24th and Oct. 6th.
Terroir
A blend of grapes hailing from several plots of the estate
These plots feature Oxfordian limestones “caillottes” and “griottes”
Growing methods
Cover crops are grown between the rows or the soil is hoed
Guyot Poussard pruning
Integrated crop protection
Organic fertilizers since 1989
The vines
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Planting density: 6,800 to 8,800 vines/hectare
Winemaking
The grapes are handpicked
The entire bunches of grapes are fed into pneumatic presses via a conveyor belt
Light pneumatic pressing
Cold settling for 24 - 36 hours at approximately 6°C
Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and 5% in oak. 10 months lees ageing and 7 more months on fine lees after racking and blending
Filtered and bottled in April 2023
Tasting notes 2021
Visual: pale yellow with golden reflections
Nose: complex and elegant, revealing top notes of tomato leaves and lime. When oxygenated, aromas of clay are dominating, confirmed by a mineral base note
Palate: straight and generous, slightly granular texture offering mineral flavours of clay and a slightly salty taste. Appreciable acidity delivers freshness and long-lasting aromas, hints of aniseed and salty finish
Serving temperature: 10°C
Food pairings: sea bream tartare, veal sweetbread with ginger, honey glazed duck breast