Domaine Gerard Millet – Sancerre – 2022

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
Situated in Bué in the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley, the Millet family has been making wine for over five generations. The family Domaine is now run by Gérard and Isabelle, along with their son Steve. The estate covers a total of 24 hectares of vineyard, of which 19 are in the Sancerre appellation and five hectares are in Menetou-Salon. The vineyard is cultivated sustainably, with respect for the environment and biodiversity and in 2020, Domaine Gérard Millet gained the HVE3 certification. This family-owned winery has recently invested in new heat exchange equipment to ensure that the grapes and must are cooled to obtain maximum freshness in the wine. Their wines are fresh, pure and show great typicity.

VINTAGE:
2021 was an extremely challenging vintage across the Loire Valley. A sudden severe frost hit vineyards during early April, damaging the buds and significantly reducing yields throughout the region. Rainy conditions ensued from May until the end of July. August saved the vintage, with long, hot sunny days which allowed the grapes to ripen well. At the beginning of September a storm brought welcome rain helping to increase the yield slightly. While the production was significantly reduced, the remaining fruit produced juice of excellent quality.

VINEYARD:
The appellation of Sancerre is part of the ‘central vineyards’ of the Loire Valley, with almost all of the appellation situated on the left bank of the Loire River, opposite Pouilly Fumé. This region has a continental climate, as it is some 400 kilometres from the Atlantic Coast, with short, hot summers and long, cold winters. Early spring frosts are an annual threat in the vineyards. These vines are grown in chalky soils which provide good drainage for the vines.

WINEMAKING:
Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After racking, the wine was matured on its lees without undergoing malolactic conversion. This wine was made in a fresh, unoaked style in order to maintain the purity of fruit.

TASTING NOTE:
An elegant Sancerre, with vibrant Sauvignon notes of grapefruit and lemon, good weight and a clean crisp finish.

GRAPE:
Sauvignon Blanc 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Loire

SUB-REGION:
Sancerre