Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rouge La Croix du Roy 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the village of Bué, Domaine Lucien Crochet was founded in 1950, merging the vineyards belonging to Lucien Crochet's grandfathers, André Crochet and Lucien Picard. Over the years, the vineyards have expanded and today cover an area of ​​approximately 35 hectares spread across the municipalities of Bué, Sancerre, Crézancy, and Vinon. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from vines averaging 40 years old, planted in various parcels of the estate on soils composed of Oxfordian limestone and Kimmeridgian marl. After manual harvesting and fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, the finished wine ages in 228-liter barrels for 12 months before blending and further refining in vats for 3 months. In the glass, Sancerre Rouge La Croix du Roy reveals an intense ruby ​​red color and a broad and complex aromatic profile with notes of cherry, blackcurrant, and ripe blueberry, followed by hints of spice, mocha, and cocoa. On the palate, it is generous and ripe, fruity and concentrated with fine tannins and a dense texture. It is round and smooth with peppery and woody notes that linger on the long, persistent finish. Try it with beef rib eye or grilled duck breast with red fruit sauce.