2020 Vincent Pinard ‘Nuance’ Sancerre, Loire Valley

Vincent Pinard is one of our favourite wine producers in the Loire Valley. With a family history dating back to the 17th century, nowadays the house makes whites, reds, and roses under the appellation of Sancerre AOC. Winemakers are Florent and Clement Pinard that keep the vineyards organically farmed, all grapes are hand-harvested, fermented with natural yeasts, both in stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. Fairly small producer with only 8000 dozen across the range produced, across 17ha of vineyards. Viticulture is sustainable with no chemical treatments or pesticides for over 15 years. Currently working on their certification to organic viticulture. Why do we like it? This Sancerre is made from 40-year-old vines grown on Caillottes terroir (small stones over limestone) in Bué, selected from three vineyards, Nuance is one of the domaine’s ‘Premier Cru’ wines. The wine is aged on fine lees for 9 months in equal portions of stainless-steel tanks, older barriques and demi-muids (600 L). This is a magnificent wine, with plenty texture and intensity, hints of smokiness on the nose and a fine chalky minerality on the palate reflecting very well the white soils composed of limestone from the region. Like the best Sancerre this one is defined by minerality, with an invigorating acidity, notes of yellow apple, white peach, and a slight herbal note.  Grape            Sauvignon Blanc Country        France                                   Region          Loire Valley                                      Vintage         2020