UN RENDEZ-VOUS EN SANCERRE
LOIRE, FRANCE 2023
WHY BUY:
Sourced from the finest parcels of the Loire’s famed La Moussière (whose exceptional Kimmeridgian limestone soils produce Sancerre's most mineral-driven expressions), this is a patiently crafted, vividly expressive, old-vine Sancerre that's precise, refined, and profoundly expressive: not just another Sancerre, but a deeply personal project from 19th-generation winemaker Alphonse Mellot, Jr., one of the Loire Valley's most revered vignerons and a benchmark name in French fine wine. It drinks well, well above its frankly shocking price tag of just under $40 a bottle, and ought to have you thinking seriously of laying in for a case or two.
OUR TASTING NOTES:
Right from the start, you know you’re in great hands. The nose hits you with that classic Loire combination of mineral precision and floral elegance that conjures images of wet stones and honeysuckle. On the palate, there's a lovely, animating tension between the 50% barrel fermentation (which adds texture without overwhelming the fruit) and that signature Sauvignon Blanc acidity that keeps everything honest. The finish has real persistence, and real weight, as well. A charming, complex, and hard-to-resist wine.
THE METHOD:
The grapes come from 35-40 year old vines, harvested in small 25kg crates to preserve the integrity of the fruit. After careful sorting comes whole-bunch pressing. Fermentation is split equally between stainless steel and new barrels, and at controlled temperatures, and is followed by 7 to 8 months of aging on the lees.
THE STORY:
Thomas Raynal has spent over a decade cultivating relationships with France's top winemakers, but his partnership with Alphonse Mellot might be his most profitable one of all. Mellot brings tremendous pedigree to the proceedings, namely, 19 generations of family winemaking in Sancerre. The Mellots were biodynamic farmers back when it was still considered radical, and they built a reputation for producing wines that age gracefully while maintaining that classic Sancerre elegance. Raynal’s most important contribution to the collaboration is his meticulous attention to small-parcel selections, ensuring quality and consistency. Together, the two men have cherry-picked the best blocks from La Moussière to create a Sancerre that honors tradition while embracing contemporary precision.
WHAT TO PAIR IT WITH:
This is an eminently versatile wine, one that will sing in a variety of contexts. We love it especially with raw seafood and sushi, but it’s also magic with an herb-scented roast chicken or a salad with goat cheese.
FUN FACT:
The Loire Valley can trace its origins as a seat of winemaking all the way back to the Roman Era, in the 1st century A.D.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy and source directly from the producer to ensure that your wines arrive with pristine provenance. Secure your bottle today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2025 (Dec. 21st - March 20th, 2026). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. 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, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer will expire on Thursday, December 18th, 2025.