Vincent Pinard Sancerre Nuance 2020

Brothers Clement and Florent Pinard are the 15th generation (or so they think - they wouldn't stake their lives on it) to run the family domaine in the village of Bué. They're young and dynamic and obtained biodynamic certification in 2017... The domaine has an enviable list of the top sites in the appellation including both the Petit and Grand Chemarin vineyards and Le Chêne Marchand (all on caillottes soils), as well as a wealth of older vines... One of my go-to Sancerre producers" - Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, August 2021

From 40 year-old vines grown on Caillottes terroir (small stones over limestone) in Bué, selected from

the vineyards of La Thibaude, Les Garennes and Les Grands Champs, Nuance is one of the domaine's 'Premier Cru' wines. The fruit is hand picked, hand sorted and then whole-bunch pressed to tank for a cool, slow fermentation over about 4 weeks. The wine is aged on fine lees for 9 months in equal portions of stainless steel tanks, older barriques and demi-muids (600 L). This shows a big step up in texture and intensity, with a hint of smokiness on the nose and fine chalky minerality on the palate.

"The 2020 Sancerre Nuance hails from chalky soils. It offers a succulent and soft welcome, but its the combination of gently refreshing acidity and the fine chalky texture that sweeps the mouth in an almost swirling motion and reassures the drinker. The fruit is both savoury and ripe with peach barley and the meerest lick of boxwood. Fades a little quicker than I'd like. Drink 2023-2030." Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, July 2022.

Country: France
Region: Loire Valley
Sub Region: Sancerre