Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Demoiselle Rouge 2016

La Demoiselle is an old-vine Sancerre rouge from a small east-facing hillside on the edge of the village, making around 250 cases a year.

The vineyard was established in 1951 and is one of the easier Sancerre sites to find, sitting just below the Panoramic Hotel on the edge of the town. Its soils are a mix of flint and flinty clay, the town being built over the fault that runs through the appellation, and there is a little Sauvignon Blanc planted among the Pinot Noir. Sancerre grew red wine long before it became famous for white, and the Mellot family, established here since 1513, has kept faith with Pinot Noir throughout. The domaine farms biodynamically. Winemaking for this cuvée essentially mirrors that of La Moussière, with fermentation and ageing split between wood and concrete, though the yields in this small parcel are lower still, which shows in the concentration of the fruit.

Approachable now and capable of another five to eight years; serve at 16-18°C with roast chicken, charcuterie or a soft washed-rind cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.