Sancerre Blanc, Domaine Jean-Paul Balland 2020

Jean-Paul Balland has handed over the running of the domaine to his two daughters, Elise and Isabelle. Isabelle’s husband Julien joined the Domaine in 2017. Burgundy-trained oenologist Isabelle makes the wines, and Elise runs an impressively efficient office. They have some 20 hectares with fine plots on Le Grand Chemarin and Le Chêne Marchand. New impressive cellars were completed just in time for the 2015 vintage and the wines are even better!

The wines of Bué are full and rich in style, the Balland wines are a classic example from this village. It is said that Jean-Paul made the best wine in the village and was one of the first in Sancerre to vinify Sauvignon Blanc in new oak: we certainly don’t believe that Isabelle is doing any less well – lovely wines.

A pneumatic press is used for all of their wines and they are all racked before blending and bottling.

Their Sancerre Blanc comes from a mixture of limestone pebbly stones “caillottes” and calcareous-clay “Terres Blanches”. The wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel and undergo regular bâtonnage.

Appearance: A  clear appearance with a pale yellow hue.

Nose: First nose, intense aromas, fine, very mild of ripe fruits (peach) with hints of citrus and fresh herbs.

Upon aeration: The nose opens up with scents of anise and mint associated to sweet quince and pineapple.

Palate: The attack is lively, fresh and floral (honeysuckle, acacia).

Crisp mid-palate, ripe fruits (vine peach, pear).