Comte Jean Marechal – Sancerre 2020

Description

Comte Jean Marechal 2020 – Sancerre

Grape variety: Sauvignon blanc 100% –

The wine story

This winemaking family has been in the business for many generations. Their first vineyards were on the hill of Chavignol which is also known for its goat cheese called crottin de Chavignol. They continued to buy vineyards in the region and now own several appellations in the Upper Loire Valley like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Plots are vinified separately to keep each one’s identity. The name of the ancient owner is usually kept for the same reason.

This wine is fermented in stainless steel thermo regulated vats at low temperature, then aged on fine lees for five months to enhance the aromatic potential. Sauvignon blanc is grown all over the world but the variety’s birthplace is probably this region, with popularity growing fast.

Sauvignon lovers and sommeliers agree that the cooler climate of the Loire helps create compounds that give unique herbal flavor to the wines. The main competitors for best Sauvignon are New Zealand and Chile.

Favorite Pairing

A very zesty wine that will pair well with chicken and turkey, fish and seafood, sashimi and sushi, and dry goat cheese like the local crottin.

The Region

The upper Loire valley is quite hilly.  Surrounding the charming village of Sancerre, vineyards are everywhere on well-oriented slopes. The terroir is clay and limestone with rare kimmeridgian marls in the subsoil that ensure excellent drainage, as they are full of fossil seashells and very porous.

It is perfect for the Sauvignon. Pinot noir is also grown here to produce excellent red wine similar to Burgundy.

Aroma

Citrus and exotic fruit, freshly cut grass.

Flavor

Subtly powerful and persistent. Sharp fruitiness typical of Sauvignon grapes. Sweet grapefruit.