Sancerre Blanc 2021

The 2021 Sancerre Blanc is stylish, mineral and focused, offering up succulent white peach, melon, and floral notes.

Service: Serve at 8 to 10 °C.

Food Pairing: Excellent with appetizers, white meat, fish accompanied by a sauce, and cheese.

The winemaker Didier Raimbault took over the vineyard business from his father Roger in 1996 and has been instrumental in their growth.

Based in Verdigny, the Raimbault family have been making wine from the Sancerre region since the mid 17th century, though its most important history only began in 1960. With only 2 hectares, a horse and a small tribe of goats, the family cultivated their grapes by hand. In 1966, Roger bought their first tractor and so was able to add to their land. Little-by-little vineyard land was acquired and finally attaining 6.5 hectares by 1996 when his son Didier joined him. Though they work 17.5 hectares over an incredible 51 different parcels today, they never lost sight of creating more artisanal wines. Today, they produce 3 whites from Sauvignon Blanc as well as two reds and a rosé from Pinot Noir.

Sancerre is the result of a blend of wines coming from different parcel of two soil types: “terres blanches” and “caillottes”.

Wine&Earth Sustainability Review Pending

The Raimbault family vineyard, with a lineage of grape cultivation spanning ten generations, demonstrates an environmentally conscious approach to viticulture. Over the decades, this estate has transitioned from a modest 2 hectares worked by hand and horse, to a significant 17.5 hectares across 51 different parcels, by enjambeur tractor. Their practice of reasoned viticulture, or Lutte raisonnée, respects the natural expression of terroir while conscientiously maintaining the vines. Soil management varies strategically across the vineyard, with two-thirds cultivated and one-third grass-covered to prevent erosion, especially on steeper slopes. Fertilisation is tailored based on soil analysis and vine vigour, ensuring nutrient applications are precise and considered. The Raimbaults do make limited selective interventions against diseases, treating vines when there's a genuine threat.

White | Still | 75cl | 12.5% ABV

Recognition: Vintage 2021 - Bettane et Desseauve Prix Plaisir: Bronze

Cellaring: Drinking well now, can be cellared for 4-7 years.

Vinification: After the grapes are gently pressed the juice is left to settle for between 24 to 48 hours. The wine is fermented in temperature-control, stainless steel vats at 14-18°C. The juice is analysed before and after fermentation,
in order to vinify the wine in the best possible way.

The wine is matured on its fine lees until just before bottling. This gives the wine a richness and finesse while limiting the amount of sulphites used. Sancerre isn’t fined, bentonite is simply added in order to stabilise the
wine and stop “casse” occuring (a protein breakdown within the wine). The wine goes through a cold stabilisation, is filtered and bottled.

• Vegan - Independently Certified