There is perhaps no other grape out there that defines varietal recognition more than Sauvignon Blanc.  Its unmistakable aromatic clarity and zesty acidity have made it a popular choice in all corners of the globe. While regions from the north of Italy to California to New Zealand can boast wonderful expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, it is sometimes nice to fall back on an original standard. Lucien Crochet “Le Chêne” Sancerre 2007 brings out the essence of what you can rarely find anywhere else but in the villages surrounding the town of Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley. Its smoky minerality and bracing acidity remind us of how the marriage of grape and terroir can reach a singularity of focus and excellence.

Lucien and his son Gilles run an operation centered in the town of Bué that has been in the family for centuries. They hand harvest the grapes from the famed limestone hills of the “Clos du Chene Marchand” at very low yields and allow 6 months of yeast contact in stainless steel before filtering and fining.  Malolactic fermentation is always omitted in order for the wine to keep its racy finish intact. The result is an intense display of green fruit, chalky minerality and mouth watering finish; the archetype of pure Sancerre.

With less than 1700 cases of “Le Chêne” produced each year, we think it is certainly worth picking up a bottle of this true classic.

Lucien Crochet “Le Chêne” Sancerre 2007
$32

For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.