Sancerre 2021 – Domaine de la Villaudière

The grapes to produce the Sancerre Domaine de la Villaudière were pressed within three hours of harvesting. After settling for 12 to 24 hours, the must was fermented in stainless steel temperature controlled tanks between 15 and 20°C. At the end of fermentation, the initial racking was carried out to remove the gross lees. Bottling of Sancerre Domaine de la Villaudière began in the spring, following blending, clarification and the stabilisation of the wine. Covering 28 plots, the vineyards are over thirty years old on average. For over 20 years, the vines have been cultivated according to sustainable methods with a reduced use of chemicals, known in French as ‘la lutte raisonnée’. Enjoying an easterly exposure, ripening is slow and gradual helping to build concentrated flavours in the grapes, while retaining refreshing acidity. The vines are partially thinned in July to maintain good health throughout the growing cycle and to encourage a good phenolic maturity. This cuvée is the result of a blend of the two main Sancerre soil types. The vast calcareous clay slopes locally referred to as ‘Terres Blanches’ produce wines that are more complex, robust and with more texture as a result of the clay content. The dry, stony limestone hills locally known as ‘Caillotes’ produce fresh, fruity wines with floral nuances, with lovely acidity. This cuvée achieves the optimum balance between the two.