Domaine Vincent Pinard : Chêne Marchand 2023

Tasting Notes and Recommendations for Chêne Marchand 2023 from Domaine Vincent Pinard

Tasting

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic purity dominated by citrus notes. The bouquet expands with aromas of kumquat and candied grapefruit, alongside floral scents of honeysuckle and acacia honey. Hints of noble vegetal notes and very subtle oak round out this aromatic palette.

Palate

The palate stands out for its power and fine substance, delivering striking intensity. The vibrant character of the limestone terroir comes through in an invigorating bitter structure. This wine unveils great complexity of flavors and a natural minerality that marks its origin.

Food and wine pairings

This Chêne Marchand 2023 pairs perfectly with bluefin tuna tartare with fennel or a creamy risotto.

Serving and cellaring

Chêne Marchand 2023 is built for long aging and should be cellared to reveal its full complexity. It is recommended to enjoy it from around 2026, with an expected peak between around 2027 and 2033.

A characterful Sancerre from the legendary Chêne Marchand terroir

The estate

Established in the early 1970s when Vincent Pinard took over the family estate, Domaine Vincent Pinard now covers 17 hectares in Bué, in the heart of the Sancerrois in the Loire Valley. Vincent and his wife Cosette remain the owners, while their sons Florent and Clément, the twentieth generation, run the estate. Described as the “Rolls-Royce of Sancerres” by La Revue du Vin de France, this estate stands out for its rigorous organic practices and the use of indigenous yeasts since 2018.

The vineyard

This Sancerre comes from a parcel selection in the lieu-dit Chêne Marchand, located in the village of Bué. The vines, planted between 1959 and 2005, grow on an outstanding terroir composed of caillottes and limestone stones typical of the Sancerrois, over an Upper Oxfordian limestone subsoil. Planted between 260 and 280 meters above sea level at a density of 7,000 vines per hectare, the vines are farmed organically and biodynamically. The estate practices plowing, hoeing, and the use of a piochon, with no herbicides whatsoever. Hand harvesting in small crates and carefully controlled yields ensure optimal quality.

Vinification and aging

After a long pneumatic pressing, Chêne Marchand 2023 ferments thanks to indigenous yeasts produced from the estate’s own parcels. Aging takes place for 10 to 12 months in demi-muids. This Loire Valley white wine is neither fined nor filtered, thus preserving its authenticity and complexity.

Grape variety

This Sancerre Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.