Domaine du Carroir Perrin Cuvée Caillottes 2007 Tasting Notes

Sancerre blanc Cuvée Caillottes 2005

Our exclusive Sancerre Cuvée Caillottes comes from old vines growing on terrain characterised by stony slopes containing a high proportion of limestone pebbles.  It is from the 2005 vintage, which has proved to be an excellent vintage throughout France.  A slightly hotter than normal summer with lower than normal rainfall led to a harvest period at the end of September when the grapes were in a perfect ripe condition.

This 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 from the limestone terroir 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 aperitif or with food.  Due to its deliciously fruity acidity it makes a good partner for lots of tricky foods – asparagus is one – and with pasta or white meat in a tomato-based sauce it is one of the best choices available.  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, but it will also keep for up to five years if carefully cellared.  

Pierre has won medals for his Sancerre in all but one of the last ten years at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London.  Continuing this consistent run we were delighted that Pierre won a Bronze Medal for his Sancerre 2005 at last year’s Challenge.