The Pellé family estate has been cultivating four hectares of Sancerre in the village of Montigny since 1987 (in addition to their parcel in Menetou-Salon). Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Sancerre vineyard’s Caillote soil, a sort of pebbly clay-limestone, consistently produces beautiful, fine-textured wines. The family’s vineyard practices strive to achieve balance: composts are applied to balance soil nutrients, and neither pesticides nor herbicides are used. Work is dictated by day-to-day walks through the stony vineyards.

The hand-harvested fruit was quickly transported to the winery to minimize oxidation. Following direct pressing and settling, the wine fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine rested on fine lees in stainless steel and old wood vats and tanks following fermentation.

The whites of Domaine Pellé are today among the most balanced expressions of Sauvignon from the Loire. This is a textured and aromatic Sancerre with a nose and palate showing citrus and floral notes underpinned by a lovely minerality. It is a versatile wine that works well with a dish as delicate as raw oysters yet can act as a refreshing contrast for any meal. Try pairing this Sancerre with a vibrant spring salad or with herbed goat cheese and a citrus vinaigrette for the ultimate match.

“This is the Ingrid Bergman of Sancerres – ravishing, polished and effortlessly elegant. In great years, besides having perfect tension between acidity and fruit, the wine has a unique kind of purity and clarity, with absolutely vivid smokey/minerally flavours. Pellé himself was considered one of the masters of the Sauvignon Blanc grape, and now his family carries on, making wines that are highly admired. The Pellé estate is perhaps best known for its extraordinary, rich, dramatic Menetou-Salon, which is also where the estate is located.” Karen McNeil on Domaine Pellé, “The Wine Bible”