Alphonse Mellot : Génération XIX 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Sancerre "Génération XIX" 2022

Tasting

Appearance
Bright and clear, the robe reveals a pale yellow hue enhanced by delicate green reflections.

Nose
Remarkably complex, the bouquet opens with floral aromas of acacia and fresh citrus. As it aerates, it reveals subtle notes of honey, mint and white fruits, supported by a deep mineral and iodine-tinged framework.

Palate
The attack is straightforward and generous, offering a smooth texture perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity. The mid-palate unfolds savoury touches of toasted hazelnut, leading to a lingering finish, saline and marked by an elegant vegetal bitterness.

Food and wine pairings

This great white wine beautifully enhances seafood such as oysters or langoustines, as well as noble fish like grilled sea bass. It also pairs wonderfully with white meats in sauce, sweetbreads, or aged goat cheeses such as Crottin de Chavignol.

Serving and cellaring

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve this Sancerre "Génération XIX" 2022 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C as an aperitif, and between 12 and 14°C during a meal. Accessible today to enjoy its freshness, it boasts a remarkable structure allowing it to evolve in the cellar until around 2032.

The masterful expression of a great Sancerre terroir

The estate

The Mellot family's history in the Sancerre vineyards, at the heart of the Loire Valley, dates back to 1513. However, it was in 1980 that Alphonse Mellot Senior founded Domaine de la Moussière, a true jewel of the appellation. Today led by the Mellot family, and notably by Alphonse Mellot of the nineteenth generation, the estate stands out for its pioneering approach. Certified in organic and biodynamic farming, Domaine Alphonse Mellot produces cuvées of formidable precision, elevating Sauvignon Blanc to the pinnacle of world gastronomy.

The vineyard

The cuvée comes from a parcel of approximately 2.5 hectares located on the prestigious lieu-dit of La Moussière, in Sancerre. Facing south-southwest, these very old vines, more than eighty years old, root deeply into soils composed of Kimmeridgian marls and limestone. The vineyard is managed according to the strict principles of biodynamics, with controlled yields and exclusively manual harvesting in small crates to preserve the integrity of the berries.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage benefited from particularly balanced climatic conditions. This mild weather promoted optimal ripening of the berries while preserving their natural acidity, essential to the freshness and tension characteristic of the great wines of the region.

Winemaking and aging

The vinification of the Sancerre "Génération XIX" 2022 is carried out with great care. Both fermentation and ageing take place in large truncated wooden vats with a capacity of 900 litres. Extended ageing on the lees enriches the wine's texture and adds complexity to its aromatic palette, while preserving the original purity of the fruit.

Grape variety

100% Sauvignon Blanc