Sancerre, Domaine Merlin-Cherrier

Classic Sancerre, packed with intense citrus characters and elegant mineral overtones through to a long, refreshing finish.

Producer Note

Thierry Merlin-Cherrier cultivates 14 hectares of prime vineyard in and around the commune of Bué in Sancerre. His domain includes a slice of the revered Garennes plot and one hectare in the renowned Chêne Marchand vineyard. Planted predominantly with Sauvignon Blanc and two hectares of Pinot Noir, the vines are sustainably cultivated according to the principles of la lutte raisonnée. Thierry’s wines are typical Bué, marrying good structure with an aromatic and tangy ripe blackcurrant character.

Vineyard

Thierry works according to the principles of sustainable agriculture known in French as ‘la Lutte Raisonnée’. He has grassed the plots which sit on richer, heavier soils; and he keeps yields down and quality high by de-budding in spring and crop thinning in summer. For the past five years he has been de-leafing his Sauvignon Blanc vines in order to allow the wind and sun access to the bunches, which results in thicker, more resistant skins and therefore more flavour. The results are testament to this practice, in ever finer, more intensely aromatic whites. The vineyard in Bué is spread across hard and soft limestone terroir, with pockets of marl, resulting in wines with excellent structure balanced by wonderful aromatics.

Winemaking

The grapes were gently pressed in a pneumatic press and cold settled. Fermentation took place parcel by parcel, at controlled temperatures in stainless steel and enamelled steel vats. The yeast was carefully selected for each vat and the pressed wine was vinified separately, allowing it to go through malolactic fermentation, which added layers of depth and complexity. The wine from each parcel was matured on its fine lees, before blending in the following spring.

Tasting Note

This is a classic Sancerre packed with intense lemon and citrus characters, with refined mineral overtones and an elegant intensity on the palate.

Grape

Sauvignon Blanc 100%