Sancerre Blanc
2021
Domaine Balland – Loire Valley

Introduction :  Following a long lineage of wine growers,  Jean-Paul and Magali have, since  forty years, patiently developed the familial estate. Now they are cultivating 24 hectares of Sancerre appellation (20 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc grapes; 4 hectares of Pinot Noir).  Jean-Paul Balland has handed over the running of the domaine to his two daughters, Elise and Isabelle. Isabelle’s husband Julien joined the Domaine in 2017. Burgundy-trained oenologist Isabelle makes the wines, and Elise runs an impressively efficient office. They have some 20 hectares with fine plots on Le Grand Chemarin and Le Chêne Marchand. New impressive cellars were completed just in time for the 2015 vintage and the wines are even better! The wines of Bué are full and rich in style, the Balland wines are a classic example from this village. It is said that Jean-Paul made the best wine in the village and was one of the first in Sancerre to vinify Sauvignon Blanc in new oak. The Sancerre White comes exclusively from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety which is cultivated on 16 hectares ( ¾ Caillotes, ¼ Terres Blanches).

Region : Loire Valley
Appellation : Sancerre
Grape Variety : 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Colour : White
Agricultural practices : Terra Vatis – Sustainable
ABV : 13.5%
Ageing : As soon as harvested, the white grapes are pressed in a pneumatic press and separated from the musts. The temperature during the fermentation is carefully controlled to give the wine bloom and elegance. The fermentation is made thanks to a fermenting starter of natural yeasts. Musts are regularly pumped over, then blended and after fined over bentonite. It is then cooled to avoid tartaric sediment and filtered through Kieselguhr. The first bottling is made in May following the harvest
Serving temperature : 8 ° to 10 °.
Food pairing : Seafood, fish.  

Tasting Notes:  
A   clear appearance with a pale yellow hue.
First nose, intense aromas, fine, very mild of ripe fruits (peach) with hints of citrus and fresh herbs.
The nose opens up with scents of anise and mint associated to sweet quince and pineapple.
The attack is lively, fresh and floral (honeysuckle, acacia). Crisp mid-palate, ripe fruits (vine peach, pear).
Gourmet end of palate with fresh feeling. Hints of fresh almond, rifle stone and citronella.