Most white Sancerre should be enjoyed young and fresh; but a handful of growers believe that more complex, rich wines are possible. Jean-Paul Balland makes one of Sancerre's greatest whites. His regular wine is very good, but his ‘Grande Cuvée’ is superb. Two-thirds of it is aged for 15 months in large, 600-litre oak barrels. The rest stays in stainless steel tanks. The fruit is beautifully integrated and is of the ripe grapefruit sort and blends harmoniously with the slightly spicy flavours of the oak.
Tasting Notes
Honeysuckle, cedar and oak.
Region
Loire, France
Food Pairing
Serve as an aperitif or pair with fish.
13.5% ABV