Alphonse Mellot : La Moussiere 2021

Alphonse Mellot produces a supple and balanced Sancerre wine

The estate

At the beginning of the 19th century, Alphonse Mellot set up his family home in Sancerre, which has since passed down father to son.

Already, from the 16th century, local archives mention the Mellot family as well-known winegrowers and merchants. According to the story, King Louis XIV, in 1698, chose César Mellot as his wine adviser.

The eldest son in each generation takes the founder’s name. This is how, today, Alphonse Mellot father and son keep this wine-growing tradition going and produce great quality Sancerre wines from a vineyard of more than 30 hectares on one piece of land.

The vineyard

La Moussière 2021 is a Sancerre wine developed from a vineyard of 34 hectares run by biological and biodynamic practices. The vines, which are between 4 and 40 years old, were planted on a soil of stony marls and are south/south-west-facing.

Winemaking and ageing

Once the harvest was done, the grapes were selected on a sorting table then sent to be pressed whole by pneumatic press. After a static settling of about 48 hours at a low temperature of 10°C, fermentation took place in vats for 50%, and the rest in new barrels. The ageing of this Loire wine on fine lees took on average 7-8 months before bottling on the estate.

Blend

Sauvignon blanc (100%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for La Moussière 2021 from Alphonse Mellot

Tasting

Colour
The wine is a beautiful golden colour with green highlights.

Nose
Pure and bold, the aromatic bouquet releases floral and fruity scents.

Palate
Supple and lively, the palate has a wonderful balance.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 10 and 12°C, and, for pairing, between 12 and 14°C.

Food and wine pairings

This wine goes marvellously with fish (pike in butter, roasted langoustines, trout meunière) but also with braised ham or an omelet with girolle mushrooms.