2019-C Jean Marc et Romain Pastou Sancerre Rouge, France (750ml)
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A Quarterly Red Cellar Trio Wine Club Selection
Made from 100% Pinot Noir from 30-year-old, sustainably farmed vines from a small plot grown on terres blanches, the chalky, mineral soils that define Sancerre. The grapes were hand-harvested, then fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks on fine lees. Bottled unfined and unfiltered so every bit of rubied fruit is expressed. Complex aromas of red fruits and violet, mingled with white mushroom. The palate is bright and juicy, with flavors of ripe cherry and fresh strawberry with youthful tannins, great balance and a flinty mineral finish. Cellaring Recommendation: 2-5 years.
The petite village of Sury-en-Vaux, north of the legendary Monts Damnés vineyard, is the secret home of the wonderful, character-rich wines of the Pastou family. For over 30 years winemaker Jean-Marc Pastou has been making the most strikingly honest, terroir-true Sancerre his few acres can produce.
The family’s vineyards sit high up on the slope in the village of Sury, northwest of Sancerre, at the highest point in the village. Soils are a mix of sand, caillottes (small chalky stones) and flint. The older vines—planted by Jean-Marc, himself—benefit from this textbook terroir demonstrating Sancerre’s characteristic raciness. The estate’s Sancerre Rouge, a limited release, is positively exceptional. The theme that runs through all the Pastou wines is freshness, and we could not help but be floored by the energy of this remarkable bottling! Light in alcohol, pure in flavor and a great pair with just about anything you put on the table.