Domaine Vincent Pinard : Grand Chemarin 2023

The pure, mineral expression of a great white Sancerre

The estate

While the history of the Pinard family dates back to the time of Henri IV, the Domaine Vincent Pinard was established under its current level of rigour in the early 1970s. Located in the Loire Valley, the estate is still owned today by Vincent and Cosette Pinard, while day-to-day management is handled by their sons, Florent and Clément. Often regarded as a benchmark producer, the domaine stands out for its artisanal, organic and biodynamic viticulture, aimed at capturing the purest expression of its terroirs.

The vineyard

Located in the commune of Bué, at the heart of the Sancerre appellation, the domaine's terroir is characterised by "caillottes" soils (limestone fragments) and "terres blanches" (clay-limestone soils). This cuvée comes from the historic Grand Chemarin lieu-dit, which rests on a geological formation from the Upper Oxfordian. The vines are tended with great care: short pruning, natural cover crops, green harvesting and hand-picking, all carried out with respect for the vineyard's natural balance.

Winemaking and aging

After careful sorting on a vibrating table, the grapes for the 2023 Grand Chemarin are gently pressed. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts in oak vessels. The wine is then aged for around eleven months on the lees with regular bâtonnage, split between demi-muids and barrels, with part also aged in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation also takes place during this period, adding further complexity before bottling with minimal intervention.

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc (100%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2023 Grand Chemarin from Domaine Vincent Pinard

Tasting notes

Color
The glass reveals a bright, crystalline brilliance, typical of the region's great white wines.

Nose
The bouquet opens with delicate floral notes before revealing aromas of citrus blossom, white peach and crushed stone. With aeration, it evolves towards more pronounced scents of stone fruit and citrus.

Palate
The palate offers wonderful complexity, combining vibrant acidity with a strong mineral tension. The aging brings a subtle textural richness without masking the brightness of the fruit. The finish, of phenomenal length, stands out for its pronounced salinity.

Service and storage

For optimal enjoyment while young, this wine should be decanted around two hours before serving, at a temperature of between 10 and 12°C. It also has excellent aging potential and can be cellared until around 2031.

Food and wine pairing

This cuvée pairs beautifully with coastal seafood such as oysters, clams or mussels, as well as shellfish like langoustine, lobster or crab. It also enhances grilled or poached fish, or fish served as carpaccio (sea bream, sea bass), accompanied by citrus condiments such as yuzu. Finally, a regional pairing with a goat cheese such as Crottin de Chavignol, whether young or aged, proves particularly well-suited.