Description

PRODUCER:
This family-owned winery is the venture of Joost and Miguela de Willebois, who are descendants of an old French family, established in the Netherlands since the 19th century (where the V became a W). Passionate about French culture and the Loire Valley, Joost and Miguela settled in Touraine in 1996, after being enchanted by Loire Sauvignon Blanc. They cultivate a range of terroirs across appellations within the Loire Valley, combining modern techniques, innovation and experimentation, with respect for the soils and the terroir. They fully believe that by being as close to nature as possible, they can capture the soul of the land. Patrice Merceron, winemaker and agricultural engineer, joined in 2014 and guides a team of dedicated winegrowers and winemakers to produce stunning Sauvignon Blanc wines, which reflect the nuances of the Loire Valley.

VINEYARD:
The grapes come from the heart of the Sancerre appellation, where the cool-climate terroir and the Kimmeridgian Marne (marl) soils produce distinctive and elegant wines. Layers of small, fossilised oysters interlaced with clay beds hold the secret to this terroir. These lacustrine sediments date back to the Kimmeridgian period, a remarkable 155 million years ago, when the climate of Sancerre basked in tropical splendour. The sea was brimming with diverse marine species, among them, the easily recognisable spiral-shaped Ammonite, which features on the label. Nowadays, the roots of the vines weave through the compact layers of this fossilised soil, producing quintessential, age-worthy Sancerre wines.

WINEMAKING:
Only the free-run juice was selected for this cuvée, which was cold settled for five days. Fermentation took place in a temperature-controlled stainless steel tank with selected yeast, lasting for two weeks. Additionally, 10% of the juice underwent fermentation in new 300-litre acacia barrels, of medium toast, for 18 days. Regular lees stirring took place in three phases: initially, three times a week for a month, then twice a week for two months, and finally once a week, until the wines from the acacia barrels and stainless steel tanks were blended. The wine was aged for eight months in stainless steel. Acacia is ideal for the marl terroirs as it brings freshness and elegance to the cuvée, enhancing the generous aromatic profile and complementing its ageing potential.

VINTAGE:
Harvesting took place on 13th September 2022

TASTING NOTE:
A classic and elegant Sancerre revealing aroma of citrus sorbet enhanced by delicate peppery and ginger spice, full-flavoured with a deliciously mouthwatering finish.

GRAPES:
Sauvignon Blanc 100%.