Vineyards and winemaking
The Pinot Noir comes from Sancerre vineyards in Saint-Satur, Sancerre, Thauvenay and Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre. Flint and clay-limestone soils bring fragrance and a firm mineral line to a variety that ripens here with naturally moderate weight.
The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented with restrained extraction. Ten to twelve months in second- and third-use barrels added gentle savoury depth without covering the red fruit, allowing the 2016 to mature towards a fine, earthy expression.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear ruby-garnet with a softly evolved rim.
Nose
Redcurrant, cranberry and dried cherry mingle with violet, woodland floor, pepper and a light smoky-mineral note.
Palate
Light to medium-bodied, with bright acidity and fine, settled tannins. Evolved red fruit, dried herbs and earth are given definition by a flinty edge, leading to a dry and graceful finish.
Food pairing
Pair with roast quail, pork loin with sage, grilled salmon and lentils, or a mushroom and spinach Wellington. Serve lightly cool and avoid heavy or sweet sauces that could overwhelm its mature delicacy.
Background story
Domaine Les Chaumes has been in the Bardin family since 1770 and is now in its ninth generation. From its base at Pouilly-sur-Loire, the estate works across Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Pouilly-sur-Loire and the Côtes de La Charité, with Jean-Jacques and Monique Bardin and their children continuing the family line.
This 2016 shows Sancerre's less familiar Pinot Noir tradition at maturity, with used oak supporting rather than dominating the wine. Bottle variation is possible at this stage; stand upright before opening and give only a brief, careful decant if sediment requires it.
