Sancerre Chêne Marchand Vincent Pinard 2011

This domain at the heart of Sancerre has several centuries of family history behind it. Vincent Pinard always sought to grow his vines in terroir- and environmentally-friendly ways. The 17-hectare domain is now in the hands of Florent and Clément, Vincent's two sons. They do all of their growing organically and biodynamically. The vines are planted in chalk and clay-chalk terroirs and the wines are vinified with very little intervention, either in vats or barrels depending on the cuvée. The domain has made great progress in recent years and is now among the best in the appellation.

Produced from vines which exceed 50 years in age, are planted in limestone soil and reap the benefits of their south-eastern exposure. The fruit is harvested at peak maturation and Vincent Pinard crafts a wine with great mineral expression. Aromas of white-fleshed fruit (especially pear) exude on the nose with slight chalky notes. This cuvée has stunning intensity and depth in the mouth with lots of vigour and a lovely minerality. A wine made for cellaring.