Sensational Sancerre & Perfect Pouilly!
What is your favourite wine?’ This is a question that I am most frequently asked, but am never able to answer. Ignoring the fact that it would be impossible to single out just one, it would also understandably depend on my mood at the time, the occasion, what I might be eating, the company I am with and of course, the time of year! With that in mind, wines from the Loire Valley are definitely at the top of the list as summer approaches. A wonderful glass of classic Sancerre, with its vibrant aromatics and uplifting minerality, is not only a refreshing glass of wine to enjoy on its own, but is also the perfect partner to the seasonal fish and white meat dishes. The elegant red wines produced here, whilst equally enjoyable with the festive Turkey perhaps, also really come into favour during the summer months, as finesse and restraint definitely win the day over power and concentration.
Indeed, there are few wines that I would find more enjoyable in the sizzling summer, than a sensational Sancerre – or a poised Pouilly.
I first came across the sublime Sancerre of Daniel Crochet several years ago, but due to their limited production and high demand, they sadly were not able to offer an allocation. Fortunately, persistence pays and I am delighted to say that we have finally got our foot in the door and have just received our first shipment, together with another exciting addition to our portfolio, the equally exceptional Pouilly Fumes from Michel Redde.
Situated in the sleepy village of Bue, Domaine Daniel Crochet has 9 ha of prime sited vineyards with a variety of terroirs, including the fabulous Plante des Pres and Chene Marchande. With approximately 6 ha of Sauvignon Blanc and 3 ha of Pinot Noir, the Domaine also produces one of the most delicious and wonderfully balanced rose and gloriously elegant Sancerre rouge.
Located on the opposite bank of the Loire, another personal favourite of mine, are the wines of Pouilly Fume. Having been a huge fan of the legendary wines of Didier Daguneau, I was thrilled to discover the amazing vins de terroirs of Michel Redde, which are crafted with equal passion and flair.
Six Bottle Case @ £121.52 –special price £109.40 containing – 2 bottles of 2018 Sancerre Rose Plus 1 bottle each of the following wines 2018 Sancerre Blanc, 2017 Sancerre Rouge, 2018 P’tit Fume and 2018 Pouilly Fume La Moynerie
Twelve Bottle case @ £242.87 – special price £218.55 containing – 3 bottles x 2018 Sancerre Blanc, 3 bottles x 2018 P’tit Blanc Fume Plus 2 bottles each of the following wines – 2018 Sancerre Rose, 2017 Sancerre Rouge, 2018 Pouilly Fume La Moynerie
2018 Sancerre Blanc, Daniel Crochet
Produced on the argilo/calcaire soils, this is a wonderful example of a classic Sancerre. Pure, crisp aromatic fruit and wet stone minerality on the nose. Wonderful intensity on the palate. Dry, but with good depth and real intensity again, lovely racy acidity and classic mineral expression of Sancerre, yet restrained and elegant.
2018 Sancerre Rose, Daniel Crochet
Lovely depth of colour. This is a ‘definite’ rose! Wonderful intense, fragrant, ripe red and orange fruits on the nose. Dry, on the palate with red berry and blood orange fruit, ginger, spice and zesty acidity. Very harmonious with great intensity, but real restraint too. Clean, refreshing acidity and perfect balance.
2017 Sancerre Rouge, Daniel Crochet
Produced from 20-year-old vines and vinified and matured in concrete tank. This is all about purity, delicacy and finesse. Lovely fragrance on the nose with beautiful ripe, sweet strawberry and red berry fruits. Ripe pure, expressive palate with super balance and real finesse. Vibrant and refined.
Enticing, pure, flinty bouquet – real Pouilly Fume character. Wonderful gras and richness with super-pure, ripe, aromatic fruit and fine, flinty nuances. Lovely grapefruit/citrus acidity and persistence. Fabulous balance and a real touch of class.
2018 Pouilly Fume La Moynerie, Michel Redde
Produced from older vines grown on the Kimmeridgian marl/silex soils of St. Andelain. Much more concentrated on the nose than the P’tit Fume. Rounder and more depth on the palate, with the flinty Sauvignon fruit of Pouilly and saline minerality. Much greater concentration, but not at all heavy. Lovely lift of acidity again and impressive length. Stylish and sophisticated!