The thing about Sancerre, whether red or white, from Chavignol, is that the minerality overshadows the varietal character of the grapes . . . which is what makes its terroir unique. Here, the intense limestony minerality actually transforms the cherry fruit in the nose, rendering it quite confectionary. So chiseled and stony in the mouth. It’s a demanding profile. But the Pinot fruit is gamely tussling with the rocks, trying to make itself heard (just barely). Good acids. Just enough tannin to be felt. Paired it with a thrown-together chicken soup I made after work, because my stomach is in knots about the election and I couldn’t handle anything else.
The thing about Sancerre, whether red or white, from Chavignol, is that the minerality overshadows the varietal character of the grapes . . . which is what makes its terroir unique. Here, the intense limestony minerality actually transforms the cherry fruit in the nose, rendering it quite confectionary. So chiseled and stony in the mouth. It’s a demanding profile. But the Pinot fruit is gamely tussling with the rocks, trying to make itself heard (just barely). Good acids. Just enough tannin to be felt. Paired it with a thrown-together chicken soup I made after work, because my stomach is in knots about the election and I couldn’t handle anything else.
Nov 6th, 2024
Sancerre, Central Vineyards, Loire Valley, France
