Domaine Sautereau Sancerre 2020 Loire Valley - France

White gold, silver highlights. An open nose, with a good varietal profile leading to notes of boxwood, rhubarb, melon and fruity aromas of pear and mango. Supple in the first instance, the vine shows good volume in the middle of the mouth with fruity and floral accents. The aromatics of mirabelle plum linger long.

David Sautereau is a tenth-generation producer who now runs the family domaine in Crézancy. David studied winemaking in Burgundy and Champagne, and did a few internships in Switzerland, California, and Australia. Working closely with his parents, he made his first Sancerre harvest in 1997, committed to perpetuating the family know-how while adding new techniques to make the most of his terroir. His vineyards now total 22 hectares: 2/3 in Sauvignon Blanc and 1/3 in Pinot Noir in the communes of Crézancy, Bué, and Sancerre. Having made the plunge to organic viticulture two years ago (he will be certified with next year’s vintage), his wines now display more precise acids while maintaining plenty of fruit on the palate. His immaculately farmed whites come from the three classic soil types of the region: Caillottes, small rocks lying atop limestone beds that promotes finesse and elegance, Kimmerridgian Marnes that give roundness, volume, and complexity, and marine shell-rich Terres Blanches, that gives powerful aromas, freshness, and great length to the wines. The Sancerre Blanc has a forward nose of zesty citrus and ripe stone fruit combined with floral accents. The palate brings a touch of more exotic fruit making it a perfect match for goat cheese, smoked salmon, or a seafood fricassée. The delicately pale Rosé has an intense and complex nose that develops aromas dominated by tiny red fruits and a touch of white peach. Round on the palate, this lovely refresher finishes with bright grapefruit-like acids, making it a perfect partner for a late summer salad with grilled salmon. From the Sancerre Rouge’s deep color comes aromas of dark fruits and spice, while the palate brings black cherry and minerality to the party. This wine is awesome with a light chill, especially when served with pork tenderloin with a mustard sauce or a petit filet au poivre.