Domaine du Carroir Perrin 2006 Tasting Notes

Sancerre blanc 2004 & Sancerre rouge 2004

Both wines this year are from the 2004 vintage. After the excesses of 2003, this was a return to normality with conditions better suited to grape growing. The grapes ripened perfectly in the warm, dry weather and after light, refreshing rains in September, the harvest took place under ideal conditions.  This year’s white wine is a very typical Sancerre with a powerful bouquet reminiscent of grass, nettles, gooseberries and blackcurrant leaves.  It is deliciously fresh and crisp to the taste, full of citrus fruit, with just the right amount of balancing acidity.  Add to that a little complex minerality, and you have a stunning wine - you won’t be able to resist its charm.

White Sancerre is excellent both on its own as an apéritif or with food.  Due to its deliciously fruity acidity, it makes a fantastic partner for lots of tricky foods - asparagus is one - and also a perfect accompaniment to pasta or white meat in a tomato-based sauce.  Try it also with some French goat’s cheese (the local Crottin de Chavignol is ideal), hot on toast with some tossed salad.  Absolutely scrumptious!

To experience the typical freshness of white Sancerre it is best enjoyed relatively young.  We were delighted that Pierre won a Bronze Medal for this vintage at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in 2005 - continuing a consistent run of awards for his wines.

The red Sancerre is made from Pinot Noir, the grape that also produces red burgundy.  In the cooler climate of Sancerre these grapes make light, refreshing, quaffing wines, with delightful fresh raspberry and cherry fruit flavours and soft tannins.  The 2004 vintage is really designed for early drinking, so it will be perfect this summer - try it slightly chilled to accompany a summer picnic - very refreshing.  As it matures it will serve as a perfect accompaniment to all manner of charcuterie, as well as grilled pork, lamb chops or hard cheese.