Wines of France / Loire Valley / Sancerre / Domaine Sancerre
Domaine Sautereau
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We encountered David Sautereau, a tenth-generation producer who now runs the family domaine in Crézancy. David studied winemaking in Burgundy and Champagne, and did a few internships in Switzerland, California, and Australia. Working closely with his parents, he made his first Sancerre harvest in 1997, committed to perpetuating the family know-how while adding new techniques to make the most of their terroir. His vineyards now total 22 hectares: 2/3 in sauvignon blanc and 1/3 in pinot noir in the communes of Crézancy, Bué, and Sancerre.
Having made the plunge to organic viticulture three years ago (and recently certified), his wines now display more precise acids while maintaining plenty of fruit on the palate. His immaculately farmed whites come from three different soil types, caillottes, small rocks lying atop limestone beds that promotes finesse and elegance, kimmerridgian marnes that give roundness, volume, and complexity, and marine shell-rich terres blanches, that give powerful aromas, freshness, and great length to the wines. The Sancerre blanc has a forward nose of pear and melon fruit combined with floral accents. The palate brings even more exotic fruit (mango and plum) making it a perfect match for goat cheese, smoked salmon, or a seafood fricassée. The delicate rosé has an intense and complex nose that develops aromas dominated by red fruits (strawberries, raspberries), and a touch of white peach. Round on the palate, this lovely rosé finishes with bright grapefruit-like acids, making it a perfect partner for lemon chicken, grilled pork, or asparagus. From the Sancerre rouge’s deep color comes aromas of dark fruits and spice, while the palate brings black cherry and minerality to the party. This wine is awesome with a light chill, especially when served with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin with a mustard sauce, or simple, everyday leftovers. 
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Domaine Sautereau - Sancerre Blanc 2023
David’s delicious Sancerre Blanc has a forward nose of crisp Asian pear, ripe melon and hints of fresh elderflower. The fleshy, stone fruit laden palate offers plenty of minerality with notes of zesty herbs and iodine. The finish is bright and salivating, making it a perfect match for goat cheese, smoked salmon, or a seafood fricassée. Domaine Sautereau - Sancerre Rosé 2023
The delicately pale Rosé has an intense and complex nose that develops aromas dominated by red fruits (strawberries, raspberries), and a touch of white peach. Round on the palate, this lovely pale pink finishes with bright grapefruit-like acids, making it a perfect partner for lemon chicken, grilled pork, or a dozen chilled kumamotos. Domaine Sautereau - Sancerre Rouge 2022
The terres rouges soils of Sancerre, an iron based clay perfect for crafting fruit driven red wines, are quite prevalent in Sautereau’s delicious example. Fully destemmed and aged in a combination of stainless steel and used barrique, the intent is to craft an approachable, subtle, and silky Pinot Noir ready for immediate consumption. Wild berry fruit, warm baking spices, and a lifted freshness in the finish make this a very versatile pairing partner. An excellent alternative to rising Burgundian prices, especially for by the glass! 
Domaine Sautereau - Sancerre Blanc - Vignoble des Sarrottes
We're pleased to offer, for the first time here, a single vineyard Sancerre, hailing from the lieu-dit of Le Vignoble des Sarrottes in Sautereau's home village of Crézancy. The parcel consists of the prized terres blanches that are rich in sea shells and marine animals from the Jurrassic period. With just over one hectare planted with older vines (40+ on average) the wine exhibits aromas of preserved lemon and ripe stonefruit atop a pronounced mineral note. The cuvée strikes the right balance between freshness and volume through a dynamic finish that lingers with a saline intensity. |
