The Loire is France’s longest river – it meanders along for 1000 kilometres from its source in the Massif Central down to Nantes on the Atlantic coast. It is the most romantic countryside of France – just think of all those photos of the ornate Chateaux crowning the gentle rolling villages! The main vineyard regions stretch over the last 320 kilometres to the coast and they produce a wide range of food-friendly single varietal wines.
Not easy to source. Much of the better stuff goes no further than neighbouring Paris, but we have one of the finest Loire selections in London. Why? Because we love the wide range of styles … and Christelle Lecomte, our Assistant Manager, is from just outside Tours, in the heartland of the Loire.
She has sourced an amazing trio of Sancerre beauties from the Gueneau family’s 16 hectare Estate, where over 80% of all the vines are planted on the renowned calcareous clay soils, highly prized for growing both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Another bonus is that the region has a problem. In such a northerly region vintages can vary …… so it is important to select the best. We are fortunate at the moment – the 2015 and 2016 are both excellent!
SANCERRE BLANC
A beautiful mouthful of lush, grassy Sauvignon Blanc flavours with crisp acidity, a touch of lemons and a zippy, subtle finish. Light years away from the generic Sancerre’s found in French and British supermarkets!
SANCERRE ROSE
100% Pinot Noir. A marvellous coral pink colour which radiates in the glass. Bone dry with a whoosh of redcurrants on the nose and heaps of strawberries and raspberries in the mouth. “One of the world’s great Rosés – like still pink Champagne”, says Christelle.
SANCERRE ROUGE
Gloriously ripe Pinot Noir fruit with a gentle hint of oak. Lively red fruits abound with a robust soft finish – “cherries in brandy”, says Alain. Just the accompaniment to our meat dishes … or a selection of our artisanal cheeses.
