2024 Alphonse Mellot - Sancerre La Moussiere (750ml)

One of the Loire Valley's most storied estates, Domaine Alphonse Mellot has been producing Sancerre from the same family since 1513. The current Alphonse Mellot is the 19th generation to steward this historic property, and La Moussière is its flagship cuvée. The vineyard encompasses 34 hectares of vines planted on Saint-Doulchard marls with a south and southwest exposure, farmed organically and biodynamically. Biodynamic farming has been practiced here since 1999, with all fruit hand-harvested.

After sorting and whole-cluster pneumatic pressing, the must settles at low temperature for approximately 48 hours before fermenting half in tank and half in new barrels. The wine then ages on fine lees for seven to eight months before bottling.

The 2024 is a rounded, airy wine with pure, clear fruit and a finely textured palate, showing pretty lemon, nettle, and fresh pineapple characters with no intrusive oak. Almost Burgundian in style, it has lovely concentration and a lush texture, with fresh mineral acidity keeping everything in balance and a long, smooth finish.

Pairs beautifully with:

• Oysters, roasted langoustines, and grilled fish
• Crottin de Chavignol and other Loire goat cheeses
• Pike in beurre blanc and other classic French bistro dishes

Delicious now and worth cellaring for several years.