Domaine François Crochet, Sancerre Blanc, Loire, France, 2022

Producer Profile

Just a few kilometres to the west of the town of Sancerre, and just a little to the south, lies the tiny commune of Bué, and it is here that you will find François Crochet and most of his vines.

The son of a vigneron, François took over the estate in 1998 and together with his wife Carine works 10.5 hectares of vines, encompassing all three of the principle Sancerre terroirs. François Crochet is an innovative winemaker with experience far beyond Sancerre. Although well travelled, having spent time in New Zealand, his heart is in Bué and here he produces his own distinctive style of this classic wine. Now a victim of his own success, François cannot keep up with demand, making only limited, hand-crafted quantities. These wines are some of the most precise and refined Sancerre around; intensely flavoured with crisp, refreshing acidity and great length.

Viticulture

This wine is a selection from Sauvignon blanc vines planted on the three types of soil found throughout the Appellation, composed of 80 % chalky soil – locally known as “caillottes”, 10% clay chalky soil and 10% flint. These vines are around 25 years old and the parcels have been certified organic and biodynamic farming since 2017. A natural grass cover is left to develop around some vines depending on the soil and the slope.

Winemaking

Whole grape pressing is combined with a sequential program to allow a very gentle extraction of the juice. After a static settling period the juice is racked and the alcoholic fermentation takes place for 3 to 4 weeks, using natural yeasts. When complete the wine is matured on its fine lees for 6 months in stainless steel. Then the wine is filtered on cellulose plates before bottling.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Fresh, pure and elegant with blackcurrant leaf and gooseberry on the nose. This is textbook Sancerre which has fruit and minerality in perfect proportions. Fresh citrus fruit acidity supports stony fruit and minerality on the palate. The wines from Francois and Carine Crochet are some of the most precise and refined Sancerre around. With power and elegance and purity this wine really stands out.

Food Matching

The crisp acidity and minerality makes this an excellent choice to accompany shellfish and seafood dishes