Domaine Vincent Pinard : Chêne Marchand 2023

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chêne Marchand 2023 from Domaine Vincent Pinard

Tasting

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic purity dominated by citrus notes. The bouquet develops aromas of kumquat and candied grapefruit, alongside floral scents of honeysuckle and acacia honey. Subtle noble vegetal notes and very delicate oak nuances complete 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 reveals great flavor complexity and a natural minerality that clearly expresses its origin.

Food and wine pairings

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

Serving and cellaring

The Chêne Marchand 2023 is built for long aging and should be cellared to reveal its full complexity. It is recommended to start enjoying it from around 2026, with a peak expected 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 Revue du Vin de France, the estate stands out for its rigorous organic practices and the use of indigenous yeasts since 2018.

The vineyard

This Sancerre comes from a plot selection from the lieu-dit Chêne Marchand, located in the village of Bué. Planted between 1959 and 2005, the vines grow on an exceptional terroir 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 vineyard is farmed organically and biodynamically. The estate practices plowing, hoeing, and the use of the piochon, with no herbicides whatsoever. Hand harvesting into small crates and controlled yields ensure optimal quality.

Vinification and aging

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

Grape variety

100% Sauvignon Blanc