Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.

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Sauvignon From Another Planet  

Sauvignon From Another Planet  

Here we have a trio of standouts from the Loire, showcasing two benchmarks and one rising star. Quite distinct from most Sancerre, if you haven’t tried these wines, you must, and here's your chance. Learn more and order via the links below.

The Wines

Domaine Gérard Boulay Sancerre à Chavignol 2024

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Domaine Gérard Boulay Sancerre à Chavignol 2024

Jumping straight in at the deep end, Boulay’s entry-level is drawn from mature, 35- to 50-year-old vines rooted entirely in the limestone soils of Chavignol. The multiple sites are largely slopes on the Chavignol hillside terroirs of Les Chasseignes, Les Longues Fins and La Rue de Veaux. This is quite distinct from most Sancerre, derived from the plains, with more fertile and productive soils. Importantly, Boulay also includes fruit from younger vines on the “star” terroirs of La Grande Côte, Clos de Beaujeu and Monts Damnés.

The juice ferments spontaneously and rests for eight months on lees in a tank, with a small volume in a single large wooden cask. This is the only blended cuvée in the Boulay lineup, yet even here, we can taste the finesse, texture, and stony/earthy/salty minerality that have made this humble grower one of France’s most respected vignerons.

From a classically-styled Sancerre vintage, you get a wealth of citrus and orchard fruit with just a hint of boxwood and elderflower aromas. On the palate, it’s bright, crystalline and racy, finishing with stony definition and a mineral twang. As always, here Sauvignon Blanc, just like Chardonnay in Burgundy, is the messenger rather than the message.  

Domaine Gérard Boulay Sancerre à Chavignol 2024

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Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussière 2024

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Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussière 2024

Biodynamic. La Moussière is one of the great vineyards of the Loire Valley. Cultivated with incredibly rocky, limestone-rich soils, this gently rolling vineyard lies on ancient Saint-Doulchard marls, which form part of the great Kimmeridgian chain (à la Chablis). Coupled with Mellot’s meticulous biodynamic farming and low yields, this terroir is responsible for some of Sancerre’s most striking and atypical wines.

As usual, 50% of this wine fermented in huge wooden fermenters and was raised in oak casks—a fact that in no way compromises its fabulous purity and energy. The balance fermented and was raised in traditional concrete vats before blending. The wine aged on fine lees for roughly 12 months, further enhancing its famously deep, pulpy texture. Reminiscent of a topflight Chablis, those who crave flesh, purity and tension in their white wines will find great company here. Full of supple nectarine and ripe grapefruit, the wine unfolds on the palate like a coiled white Burgundy. A great La Moussière—is there any other kind?!

“In a vintage when many wines are lacking in ripeness, Alphonse Mellot's signature cuvée stands out. This bold style, with some evident oak, is ripe, rounded and relatively weighty. Almost Burgundian in style, it has lovely concentration and a lush texture. With delicious bready notes and even a hint of pineapple, the fresh, mineral acidity keeps everything in check. It has both energy and density, presence and finesse. The finish is long and smooth. Really impressive.”
92 points, Beverley Blanning MW, Decanter
Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussière 2024

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Les Quatre Piliers Touraine Ancrage Sauvignon Blanc 2023

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Les Quatre Piliers Touraine Ancrage Sauvignon Blanc 2023

This stunning new bottling becomes Valentin Desloges’ first Sauvignon Blanc. It comes from vines in the clay and flint soils rising above the Loire River at Noyers-sur-Cher. Picked ripe, with barely any vestige of ‘Sauvignon-ness’, the grapes were pressed as whole bunches and fermented with indigenous yeasts in both tank and a selection of used barrels ranging from 228 to 500 litres. 

Despite the negligible use of sulphur (1 g/L at the press and 2 g/L at bottling), it’s an incredibly focused, pulpy, penetrating Sauvignon. Aromas of crushed rock, chamomile leaves, sea salt and chervil lead to a zesty and mouth-filling wine finishing on song with excellent grip and mouth-watering stony acidity. As always here, Sauvignon Blanc, just like Chardonnay in Burgundy, is the messenger rather than the message. Sorry to namedrop, but fans of Didier Dagueneau should beat a path to this wine. 


Les Quatre Piliers Touraine Ancrage Sauvignon Blanc 2023

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