Lucien Crochet : La Croix du Roy 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for La Croix du Roy 2022 by Lucien Crochet

Tasting Notes

Appearance
This wine is characterised by a deep ruby red hue.

Nose
Intense and complex, the nose exudes aromas of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherry and blueberry. It then evolves towards mellow woody notes of mocha and cocoa, finishing with touches of sweet spices and a hint of black olive tapenade.

Palate
The attack is very smooth, opening onto a round, creamy and dense texture. The palate reveals a lovely fruity brightness reminiscent of cherry and kirsch, supported by an elegant, refined tannic structure. The finish lingers on peppery notes and subtle hints of fresh wood.

Food and Wine Pairings

This red wine pairs perfectly with flavourful meats, such as shoulder of lamb with black olives and rosemary, duck breast glazed with cherry, or a matured rib of beef.

Serving and Cellaring

Approachable in its youth, this La Croix du Roy 2022 can also be cellared for enjoyment until around 2028.

The Expression of Pinot Noir on the Limestone Terroirs of Sancerre

The Estate

Established in the second half of the 20th century through the merger of two family properties, Domaine Lucien Crochet is an essential reference in the Loire Valley. A pioneer in bottling for the Parisian market as early as the 1950s and in organic viticulture since 1989, this 35-hectare estate is located in Bué. Today, Laurence and Clément Crochet head the property, upholding the rigour and philosophy of Gilles Crochet. The estate is renowned for the precise expression of its limestone terroirs.

The Vineyard

This Sancerre wine comes from several plots located around the village of Bué, on soils of caillottes (Kimmeridgian limestone) and terres blanches (clay-limestone). The vines, around 40 years old, benefit from a planting density of 6,800 to 8,500 vines per hectare, encouraging excellent grape concentration. The vineyard is farmed according to organic practices, with tailored soil management alternating between cover cropping and hoeing, and Guyot Poussard pruning to preserve the vines' health.

The Vintage

The year 2022 in the Loire was marked by an overall warm growing season. High summer temperatures encouraged rapid, optimal ripening of the berries, resulting in increased concentration while preserving a lovely balance and essential freshness.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand. The entire crop is destemmed before being transferred to vats for automated punching down. The maceration of this Sancerre red wine is carried out using the "infusion" method for around 25 days at a controlled temperature, with limited pumping over and punching down for gentle extraction. Ageing then takes place entirely in Burgundy barrels for one year, followed by blending and a three-month refinement period in tank before bottling.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir