Wine: LaCheteau Sancerre Les Roches Blanches

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Designation: Sancerre AOC

Brand/Producer: LaCheteau

Grape Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

Type: White

Code: 1842

Tasting Note

Intense aromas of apple and wafts of white flowers and lemon lime citrus lead on to a lively palate with steely acidity showcasing the crisp refreshing citrus flavours. The finish is long and minerally with ripe gooseberry notes.

Producer

LaCheteau is first and foremost a family business founded by André Lacheteau in 1987, based in Anjou. André has built a reputation which stretches far beyond the French borders thanks to his dynamism and passion for the Loire terroirs. LaCheteau is exported to over 50 countries and the portfolio covers all regions of the Loire Valley from the Pays Nantais (the Muscadet region) to Anjou and Saumur, Touraine and the vineyards of the Centre area (Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé).

Winemaking

The vineyards in the Central Loire are located on slopes of the Loire Valley with Sancerre on the western side and Pouilly Fume to the east of the river. 

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this Sancerre are sourced from the Les Roches Blanches vineyard located on a slope overlooking the left bank of the Haute Loire. Winemaking focuses on the integrity of fruit aromas and flavours so fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks. Traditional yeasts are used and cooled maturation takes place on the lees for at least 5 months before filtration and bottling

Fun Fact

Sancerre and Pouilly Fume wines are both made from Sauvignon Blanc and are often considered to have the same taste profile. Although they are just a 15 minute drive apart, separated by the Loire river, their microclimates are different. The Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Sancerre are around 400m elevation, much higher than in Pouilly Fume so the Sancerre wines have more of a lean minerally profile. 

Sancerre also produces red and rose wine from Pinot Noir while Pouilly Fume is exclusively white wine.

Food pairing

Serve as an aperitif, and continue with various seafood dishes. Sancerre is delicious with goat’s cheese especially the local Crottin de Chavignol.