Domaine Merlin-Cherrier Chêne Marchand

Domaine Merlin-Cherrier

From the importer:

Chêne Marchand is one of the crown jewel vineyards of Sancerre and is the appellation’s outstanding example of Caillottes terroir. If ever Sancerre were to classify its vineyards, Chêne would be a certain candidate for grand cru status. 

Wine from this producer's parcels is made in vat and normally with native yeast, resting on its fine lees for 12 to 14 months. It is bottled without a cold stabilization (the wine can throw tartaric crystals—and would that more wine did as this is a sign of quality) and with a light filtration. It’s an immensely elegant, long, and mineral Sancerre. In riper years, the wine can be exotic with notes of white flowers, hazelnuts, and honey; in leaner years the minerality and length carry the day.