Friday Sips
SANCERRE FRIDAY SIPS
Today August 5, 2016 from 1:30 - 6:30
Today August 5, 2016 from 1:30 - 6:30
While writing this week's musings, it dawned on me that this is going to be one of the most informative and delicious Friday Sips that we have rocked in our 6+ years of tastings.
Come join us as we taste through 4 wines from France's Sancerre region, exploring the region's producers, diverse soils and to show that while Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc is NOT Sancerre!
**There will aslo be red open for those who need their red wine fix.
Come join us as we taste through 4 wines from France's Sancerre region, exploring the region's producers, diverse soils and to show that while Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc is NOT Sancerre!
**There will aslo be red open for those who need their red wine fix.
2015 PICARD SANCERRE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
One of the Loire Valley’s most famous and most compelling wines are offerings that come from Sancerre. One of the oldest appellations in France (1936), the 14 villages that make up this area have some of the most diverse and ever-changing soil structures that will always make one recognize that these are some of the world’s finest wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape.
These days finding Sancerre for 20 bucks that is not industrially produced is quite a task, but this time, the constant arduous search was worth it, because this one is just damn delicious! The Picard family have been making wines in Sancerre since the 1600's and the wines produced by this small, 30 acre, Bue-based domaine are proof that not all Sancerres are created equal. Picard's Sancerre Blanc comes from the magnificent clay-limestone, south-facing slopes of the Grand-Chemarin and Coteaux de Marloup vineyards from vines 30 years and older. Picard has planted Sauvignon Blanc clones that produce small berries of aromatic intensity. The 2015 Sancerre from Jean-Paul Picard really impresses with lovely balance of intense fruit coupled with terroir-driven notes of oyster shells, edamame, meyer lemon, minerality and a long fresh and uplifting finish. A beautiful palate cleanser have with crab cakes and fresh grilled salmon. With the strong dollar, this is an impeccable value.
These days finding Sancerre for 20 bucks that is not industrially produced is quite a task, but this time, the constant arduous search was worth it, because this one is just damn delicious! The Picard family have been making wines in Sancerre since the 1600's and the wines produced by this small, 30 acre, Bue-based domaine are proof that not all Sancerres are created equal. Picard's Sancerre Blanc comes from the magnificent clay-limestone, south-facing slopes of the Grand-Chemarin and Coteaux de Marloup vineyards from vines 30 years and older. Picard has planted Sauvignon Blanc clones that produce small berries of aromatic intensity. The 2015 Sancerre from Jean-Paul Picard really impresses with lovely balance of intense fruit coupled with terroir-driven notes of oyster shells, edamame, meyer lemon, minerality and a long fresh and uplifting finish. A beautiful palate cleanser have with crab cakes and fresh grilled salmon. With the strong dollar, this is an impeccable value.
2014 PRIEUR SANCERRE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
This time of year, I often hear that someone has purchased a terrific piece of expensive Oregon Chinook salmon. After securing their loot, they come in wanting to pair something that is 10 bucks and overwhelmed by the quality of the fish. The point that I am trying to make is that you just plonked down a ton of cash for a special piece of fish, why then should you compromise on the wine.
There is something about having the pristineness of Sancerre to go along with salmon grilled on some form of plank for ultimate smoky quality. Based in the Sancerre village of Verdigny, the Prieur family have been growers in this famed Loire region for 11 generations and are cerebral assassins when it comes to this area’s famed Sauvignon Blanc. The obstacle course of soils (caillote, which is light limestone, silex flint and terre blanche clay/limestone) that this estate owns produces a novella of Sancerre terroir and is not a wine that reveals answers to your questions, but rather one whose complexity keeps you asking questions! Above the norm, a virtual mosaic of aromas including mineral, iodine, brine, blossom, smoke, lemongrass and more mineral caress from the glass. In the mouth, this is lyrical Sancerre with prominent sophistication and never strays from its Sancerre sensibilities or paunchiness. The finish is classic, flinty, steely, soil driven and really hangs around making it a beautiful match with salmon but also will pair with halibut cheeks in sauce or a high-class goat cheese.
There is something about having the pristineness of Sancerre to go along with salmon grilled on some form of plank for ultimate smoky quality. Based in the Sancerre village of Verdigny, the Prieur family have been growers in this famed Loire region for 11 generations and are cerebral assassins when it comes to this area’s famed Sauvignon Blanc. The obstacle course of soils (caillote, which is light limestone, silex flint and terre blanche clay/limestone) that this estate owns produces a novella of Sancerre terroir and is not a wine that reveals answers to your questions, but rather one whose complexity keeps you asking questions! Above the norm, a virtual mosaic of aromas including mineral, iodine, brine, blossom, smoke, lemongrass and more mineral caress from the glass. In the mouth, this is lyrical Sancerre with prominent sophistication and never strays from its Sancerre sensibilities or paunchiness. The finish is classic, flinty, steely, soil driven and really hangs around making it a beautiful match with salmon but also will pair with halibut cheeks in sauce or a high-class goat cheese.
2014 THOMAS-LABAILLE SANCERRE
CHAVIGNOL 'MONT DAMNES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
CHAVIGNOL 'MONT DAMNES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
2014 is a profound vintage for most of France's white wine regions and has added that "it" factor to this incredibly well made and delicious juice. The Domaine Thomas-Labaille vineyards are situated on the steep foothills of Les Monts Damnes (considered to be a Sancerre Grand Cru), and is a reflection of the combination of crustaceous and argille/calcaire soil which imparts intense minerality to the region's Sauvignon Blanc and is responsible for the creation of a very unique expression.
Non-stop, vinous aromas of seashell, flint, candied quince, lemongrass and unbelievably perfumed aspects are derived from the stoniness of this famed site. The same old vine penetration and detail of origin carries into the mouth and this broad white blankets the palate with laser-like minerality that instantly sweeps through the palate and sets you up for your next bottle; they go down way too easily. The complex character of this terroir-driven Sancerre make it the perfect juice for grilled salmon on an alder board, trout or Loire Valley goat cheeses, especially a good Crottin de Chavignol.
Non-stop, vinous aromas of seashell, flint, candied quince, lemongrass and unbelievably perfumed aspects are derived from the stoniness of this famed site. The same old vine penetration and detail of origin carries into the mouth and this broad white blankets the palate with laser-like minerality that instantly sweeps through the palate and sets you up for your next bottle; they go down way too easily. The complex character of this terroir-driven Sancerre make it the perfect juice for grilled salmon on an alder board, trout or Loire Valley goat cheeses, especially a good Crottin de Chavignol.
2014 NEVEU SANCERRE
'LE MANOIR'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
'LE MANOIR'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
This much Sancerre in one bottle is probably illegal in at least 17 states! From the fourth village being featured today, this single Cru site is located in the village of Sancerre, just south in an area known as Le Manoir de L’Etang and is from 50+ year old vines and a special combination of limestone and gravelly soil.
Beauty of Sancerre personified, the off the charts 2014 reveals compelling, multi-dimensional aspects of seabreeze, lemon, subtle orange-musk and prominent flinty aromas. Nice depth throughout along with an abundance of racy, chalky, mineral-acidity. Old-vine sophistication abound, this wine crawls energetically from front to back, back to front and so forth then finishes with a hell of a lot of pop and extension. A real wow wine! Like the other wines listed above, Got Salmon?!?!
Beauty of Sancerre personified, the off the charts 2014 reveals compelling, multi-dimensional aspects of seabreeze, lemon, subtle orange-musk and prominent flinty aromas. Nice depth throughout along with an abundance of racy, chalky, mineral-acidity. Old-vine sophistication abound, this wine crawls energetically from front to back, back to front and so forth then finishes with a hell of a lot of pop and extension. A real wow wine! Like the other wines listed above, Got Salmon?!?!
