Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre Blanc Cuvée Silex

Region: Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Tasting: Lemon zest / orange peel / nettle flower / white pepper / wet stone / flint / saline Pairing: Gillardeau oysters / Grilled langoustines / Carabineros prawns / Sea bass ceviche / White asparagus Producer: Cuvée Silex is the single-terroir bottling from Domaine Serge Laloue, drawn from three hectares of forty-five-year-old Sauvignon Blanc planted on flint-clay soils — the highest of Sancerre's three classic terroirs, found at the top of the slopes. South-east facing, with the slow ripening that old vines on flint give, the fruit carries the kind of mineral depth the lesser parcels can't reach. The wine is aged ten months on its lees with occasional bâtonnage, drawing out texture without softening the line. Expressive from the first sip — nettle flower, lemon and white pepper on the nose, citrus building with orange lifting through. The palate is fleshy and juicy, fine acidity running clean from attack to finish, minerality the thread that holds the whole wine together. A long close of lemon zest and saline. Built to drink now or to hold six to eight years — a Sancerre with the structure to age, made by a family who have farmed Thauvenay for generations and who continue to work sustainably whether or not the certificate is in hand. ABV: 13.5% Vol: 75cl Allergens: Contains sulphites