Domaine Francois Crochet, Sancerre Rosé, 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

These vines are 20 years old on average and sit in clay and chalky soils. Debudding is carried out in Spring and a green harvest is carried out every year. Grapes are hand harvested and rigorously sorted The harvest date for each parcel is set after daily analysis of the juice and tasting of both grapes and juice in order assess perfect maturity. The yield aimed for this cuvée varies between 55 and 60 hl per ha.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-picked. Whole bunches were transferred to pneumatic presses by means of a belt in order to avoid bruising the skins. There is a static settling before racking. Fermentation takes 3 to 4 weeks. Aged in stainless steel for 6 months.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Pale Salmon pink colour, very fine notes of fresh red fruits on the nose which is continued on the well balanced palate.

Food Matching

Spicy Asian fayre, Moroccan Tajine