DOMAINE DE TERRES BLANCHES SANCERRE
LOIRE, FRANCE
Why Buy: The hamlet of Bué is generally regarded as a kind of holy ground for winemaking in Sancerre, and Domaine de Terres Blanches is, for us, the holiest of the holies. Which is why we jumped at the chance to partner with the estate and curate a selection for our Concierge Family. These 4 are must-haves not just for white wine lovers, or for lovers of Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre, but for wine lovers, period — the purest (and therefore most exciting) expression of that exalted terroir. It just so happens they also represent some of the best values right now in the world of wine, which, when you combine it with their ready-to-drink-now status, makes them essential additions to your weeknight rotation.
The Story: Under the direction of Philippe Reculet, with an assist from consultant extraordinaire Stéphane Derenoncourt — renowned for his work in Bordeaux, the Rhône, and Loire — the domaine takes a "bio-active" approach to winemaking. Grapes are cultivated in accordance with the cycle of nature and the seasons, and there is a particular emphasis on time-worn methods, including picking the fruit by hand and intervening as little as possible in the winemaking process. The name terres blanches, or white earth, is a loving reference to the soil found in the hills of Bué, a phenomenally-rich mix of stone, limestone pebbles, and clay marl. It is among the most envied and coveted soil types in the world of wine, because it so often leads to wines with developed fruit identities, minerally character, and definitional clarity.
Our Tasting Notes:
- The Alchimie Blanc aged on the lees for 4-6 months, and you can taste it in the harmony and balance, unexpected for a wine with minimal aging. The aromas and textures are nicely developed, giving this a welcome depth, in spite of its lightness on the palate.
- Aged on the lees for 6 months, the Sancerre Blanc delivers its bounty of fruit in such a controlled and subtle way, never overwhelming the palate, and the texture is fine and smooth, making for a wine you might be tempted to quaff, were it not for the finesse and elegance that holds you back.
- Sourced from vines with an average age of 25 years, the Bellechaume was treated to a long fermentation, of 3-4 weeks. Both of those facts are apparent immediately, both on the nose, in the strong hints of white flower, and on the palate, in its fine minerally character. There is great energy in this wine, but not at the expense of precision and finesse, and the finish is subtle and long.
- The Chêne Marchand comes from the vineyard of the same name, which makes up less than one hectare of this exceptional terroir, and is made from 30-year-old vines. In the cellar, it was treated to a long fermentation, of 3-4 weeks. The end product is a concentrated and rich wine, especially so for a white of such elegance; just as surprising to us was its softness and length.
What to Pair Them With: Any preparation of lobster or shrimp; quiche; omelets; mussels in white wine.
Fun Fact: An erstwhile Protestant base, Bué was destroyed twice, once in the 16th century and again in the 17th century, during the Wars of Religion.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so you can rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2023 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2024). All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023.
