Alphonse Mellot – King of Sancerre
In 2013, this historic estate celebrated its 500th anniversary – 19 successive generations of winegrowers in the Mellot family. Today Alphonse Jr. is in total charge, having taken over the reigns from his father Alphonse Sr. fully fifteen years ago. The property, known as La Moussiere, is now at the height of quality for white wines world-wide. All farming is organic and certified biodynamic, with an elite team in the vineyards focused on low yields and ideal ripeness. Their Sauvignons have acquired a rare precision and each parcel is well-defined, perhaps even more so with the reds. Only three star grower in Sancerre – la Revue du Vin de France; only five star Sancerre in Bettane + Desseauve. www.mellot.com
*** Sancerre Whites***
Sancerre Blanc La Moussiere,…Pure chalky flavors with a mardi-gras of crystallized citrus fruit and soft spices – a far-cry from new world Sauvignon.
Sancerre Blanc Demoiselle,…. From a shockingly steep, sun-drenched silex-rich slope.
Sancerre Blanc Les Romains,…Ripe peach & pear and sultry lusciousness – named after a Roman road that divides the vineyard (flint atop limestone).
Sancerre Blanc Satellite,…From the village of Chavignol, and five garden-like parcels – ferocious concentration yet fresh-as-a-daisy acidity.
Sancerre Blanc Generation XIX,…Dense and compact, its oak-fermentation bolstering the majesty of its flavor – sourced from a 100+ year old parcel within La Moussiere – first vintage made in 1997.
Sancerre Blanc Cuvee Edmond,…Creamy richness and crunchiness – a staggering combo of exuberance and grip from 120 year old vines – oldest Sauvignon in France.
Sancerre Rouge Demoiselle,…Softer expression, with a lean (silex-driven), elegant cherry-tinged finesse.
Sancerre Rouge En Grands Champs,…Fine, mineral and chalk-laden, this is a great Pinot Noir for the global stage.
