Top 10 Sancerre red wines to try
Think you know what Sancerre is all about? Expand your summer drinking repertoire with these red wines from the French wine region that is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Sancerre is justifiably famous for its Sauvignon Blancs, but it’s high time to pay attention to the reds which, while still small in number, are fast gaining a reputation for quality and Burgundian elegance. Tina Gellie picks her top 10 to try.
Alphonse Mellot, Génération XIX Blanc, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2012
90
Good attack, with old- vine concentration, a creamy texture, and long, very mineral finish.
2012
Alphonse MellotSancerre
Vincent Pinard, Charlouise, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2011
93
<p>This wine is made from 50-year-old vines on chalky-clay soils in Bué. Florent and Clément Pinard work organically and this, the mid-range of their three reds, has no fining or filtering and spends 22 months in oak, 45% new. Beautiful juicy cherry fruit and a hint of tart cranberry. Supple texture, very moreish.</p>
2011
Vincent PinardSancerre
Domaine Yves et Pierre Martin, Loire, France, 2010
90
Chavignol estate converting to biodynamics. Concentrated and mineral with a leafy streak. Good acidity, firm tannins and admirable length and texture.
2010
Domaine Yves et Pierre Martin
André Dezat & Fils, Les Celliers Saint-Romble, Loire, France, 2013
93
Great quaffing wine, boasting ripe raspberry fruit and a lovely juicy finish. Seek out the Prestige Cuvée for a more serious and ageworthy style.
2013
André Dezat & Fils
Lucien Crochet, Les Culs de Beaujeu, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2010
91
Muted citrus and apple nose, with some oak. Firm, rich, oaky, spicy and taut, precise and delicious with fruit sweetness on the finish.
2010
Lucien CrochetSancerre
Vincent Pinard, Vendanges Entières, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2012
95
<p>The same grapes as with Charlouise but mainly whole bunches were used here. The aromas leap from the glass: Turkish Delight, marshmallow, floral hints and ripe cherries. It’s tight and grippy with impressive fruit purity and firm tannins. Will benefit from cellaring.</p>
2012
Vincent PinardSancerre
Domaine Vacheron, Belle Dame, Loire, France, 2010
95
Old vines on silex soils. Aged in barrel and tank for a year each, then two years in bottle before release. Wild, tangy, fresh cranberry and a hint of strawberry compote. Fine tannins, long finish.
2010
Domaine Vacheron
Andre Vatan, Maulin Bèle, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2016
90
André Vatan inherited from his father Jean and has since gradually expanded and enhanced the domaine. Today, he manages 10ha, of which 1ha is planted with Pinot Noir. From 30-year-old vines grown on calcareous soils, this is de-stemmed before a 10-day period of skin contact. It’s an elegant and ripe style exhibiting bright and juicy red fruit with very soft tannins and vivid acidity on the palate. Best to enjoy it slightly chilled with a charcuterie platter.
2016
Andre VatanSancerre
