2024 Foucher-Lebrun - IGP Val de Loire Sauvignon Petit Le Mont (750ml)

Maison Foucher-Lebrun was founded in 1921 by Paul Lebrun, a cooper by trade who built his business supplying restaurants and cafés across the Loire Valley and Paris. His son-in-law Raymond Foucher took the reins in the 1950s, passing the estate to his own son Jacky Foucher in 1985. In 2009 the family brought on Jean Mounard, a veteran of a Parisian fine wine brokerage known for handling icons like DRC and Mouton-Rothschild, who has since helped the house craft small batch bottlings from select plots across Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Saumur-Champigny.

Petit Le Mont serves as the more approachable little sibling to the house's flagship Sancerre Blanc Le Mont, made from organically farmed Sauvignon Blanc grown on the edge of the Touraine territory, on soils of clay and limestone mixed with sand and flint. Grapes are hand harvested at optimal ripeness, then sorted before a gentle pressing. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the wine rests on its lees to build a touch of extra richness before bottling the following spring to preserve its fresh, youthful character.

The glass shows the classic hallmarks of Loire Sauvignon Blanc, with bright citrus and green apple leading into a clean mineral finish. The palate is racy and energetic, dry and precise, with a zesty structure that belies its modest price. Its lively acidity makes it a natural match for fresh oysters, herb roasted chicken, or a simple green salad.