Emile Balland Coteaux du Giennois Blanc Les Beaux 2022

This estate spans a modest 9 hectares, with 1 hectare located in Sancerre and the remaining 8 in the Coteaux du Giennois. Emile's vineyard holdings in the Giennois region are situated in the picturesque villages of Bonny-sur-Loire and Beaulieu-sur-Loire, where the vineyards gently ascend from the banks of the Loire River. It is from these calcareous soils, enriched with underlying layers of silex and clay, that Emile crafts the wines he affectionately names "Les Beaux Jours."

These wines are exclusively crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, harvested from 50 to 60-year-old vines thriving in clay-limestone soils. The winemaking process involves natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks, following six hours of meticulously controlled maceration. The wine then matures gracefully on its lees for a period of up to 5 months, undergoing a light filtration before it finds its way into the bottle.

This superb Sauvignon Blanc hails from the heart of Sancerre, where the calcareous soils impart their characteristic minerality. The five months spent aging on the lees serve to gently mellow the wine's acidity, resulting in a delightful blend of fresh lime citrus, gooseberry notes, and a hint of grassy aroma, culminating in a chalky mineral finish.

For a perfect food pairing, consider sipping this wine alongside a refreshing goat's cheese salad.