Description

Lucien Crochet is one of a handful of producers we turn to—when available—for racy, classic Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes for this basic cuvée of Sancerre were sourced from vineyards in Bué, Vinon and Crézancy. After harvest, fermentation was done in stainless steel cuves at controlled temperatures. As with all the whites at the domaine, this wine sits in contact with the fine lees for a considerable period of time, with the racking being done late in the spring following harvest. The first bottling occurs no earlier than July and frequently does not occur until September of the following year.

The 2023 Lucien Crochet Sancerre is a vibrant and aromatic expression of the vintage, characterized by a classic profile of citrus zest, white peach, and fresh florals. On the nose, it offers an inviting bouquet of grapefruit, lime, and elderflower, often accented by subtle herbal notes like wild mint or alfalfa. Despite being a "solar" and high-yielding year, the wine maintains a precise structure, balancing its medium-bodied, supple mouthfeel with a "steely" acidity and a signature chalky, flinty minerality that reflects the estate’s limestone soils.

On the palate, the wine delivers concentrated flavors of green apple and pear, leading into a long, mineral-driven finish with a refreshing salty tang. Specific cuvées like the La Croix du Roy offer a more powerful, structured experience with notes of blackcurrant leaf, while the Le Chêne Marchand is more refined, showing elegant hints of candied orange and ginger. Best served well-chilled, this Sancerre is a benchmark pairing for goat cheese, fresh oysters, or herb-crusted seafood, providing a clean and sophisticated lift to the meal.