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Sancerre Vielle Vignes Cuvee Edmond Alphonse Mellot 2006/07/08
Kevin's comments: Old vines and oak ageing make this a wonderfully concentrated wine of great character showing grapefruit and a lovely combination of richness with freshness.
Chateau Tasting Notes
Sancerre Vielle Vignes Cuvee Edmond Alphonse Mellot 2006/07/08
Sancerre, a dramatically situated hilltop town on the left bank of the upper Loire, lends its name to one of the Loire's most famous wines.
The average altitude of the Sancerre hills is between 200 and 400M. The Sauvignon grape has adapted well to many of the varied "terroirs" around Sancerre where, in 14 different communes, vines are cultivated, particularly on south-facing slopes.
There are 3 different areas: the western vineyards are made up of clay and limestone soils that produce quite powerful wines, those between here and the town of Sancerre are high in gravel as well as limestone and produce quite delicate wines and those close to Sancerre itself are rich in flint and yield longer-living, particularly perfumed wines.
Alphonse Mellot inherits a tradition as "vigneron" which has been passed from father to son since 1513. This great heritage can now be enjoyed in the superb Sancerres that led the Wine Spectator to comment: "The Domaine is a revelation in style - the sunny side of Sancerre."
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc from selected old vines with a south-west exposure
Soil: Limestone
Age of Vines: 40 to 83 years old
Vinification: Low temperature fermentation. Part of the vine is vinified and aged in oak barrels
Production: very limited - numbered bottles
Colour: Pale yellow with green tinges.
Serve: At 10-12C as an aperitif or to accompany pate de foie gras, salmon and shellfish
Taste: An elegant, dry white wine with a good balance of fruit and wood. Rich and harmonious with a long and elegant finish. A wonderfully concentrated wine of great character. Will age well.
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