Tech Notes
Wine Details
By Cherrier Pere et Fils
2023 'Les 7 Hommes' Sancerre
Producer Notes
Cherrier Pere et Fils was founded in 1930 and has been worked by four generations of this family. Today, the still family-owned estate is spread out evenly over 18 hectares throughout Sancerre. 'Les 7 Hommes' is a local expression in Sancerre that translates to 'The Seven Men' and represents the size of a parcel of land that required seven men a day to plow it.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage has been described as 'complex,' as vineyards throughout the Loire endured a harsh and frosty spring and a wet summer, exposing the vines to disease and leaves full of mildew. However, growers were optimistic about a successful vintage - they have been incredibly careful and meticulous during harvest, grape selection, and sorting, and they will be even more attentive in their winemaking processes, which will help determine the overall quality of this vintage. The majority of the Loire Valley's vignerons have already finished picking for the white, early ripening varieties and dry styles. Despite the difficulties of the Loire Valley, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are all clean - a testament to a very rigorous selection of grapes by some of the Loire's best producers.
The Vineyard
The Cherrier Pere et Fils' estate encompasses a highly coveted trifecta of famous Sancerre soils that yield stunning and complex wines. Drawn off seashell-rich Kimmeridgian Marl, chalk-limestone caillotes, and flinty Silex, it's got the mix of power, intensity, and pure fruit that typifies top Sancerre. These vines sit on 13 hectares of the family's holding and average 70 years of age. They are spread throughout Sancerre and take advantage of the three types of soils: Terres Blanche, which makes up 40% of the 13 hectares, is found in the higher hillsides and brings strength to the wine. Caillotes, contributing 20%, is a compact chalk-limestone soil found on lower slopes, providing the wine with magnificent fruitiness. And Silex, the flint-rich clay-silica soils along the north-south fault line that runs right through the town of Sancerre, contributed to 40% of the vineyard, providing stunning minerality. Fermentation is done using temperature-controlled stainless steel. The wine spends time on the lees.
Vineyard Details
Origin: Loire Valley
Appellation: Sancerre
Average Vine Age:
Terroir: 13 hectares of estate vineyards of 70-year-old vines planted in three types of soil: Silex, Caillotes, and Terres Blanche.
Harvested: September 4th to September 17th, 2020
Technical Details
Grape Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaking: Fermentation is done using temperature-controlled stainless steel. The wine spends time on the lees.
Bottled: Beginning of March
Tasting Notes
Cherrier Pere et Fils 'Les 7 Hommes' 2023 vintage has a pale straw color and complex aromas of fresh lemon rind, hints of white grapefruit, white melon, and nectarine. This medium-full body wine has a medium-long depth of roundness that is smooth and stimulating to the finish. Cherrier Pere et Fils 'Les 7 Hommes' is a bright, juicy, spot-on Sancerre that drinks effortlessly. Enjoy with all types of fish, grilled vegetables, and soft cheeses.
[Information provided by Serge Dore Selections]
Region:
Loire Valley
Vintage:
2023
Grape:
Sauvignon Blanc
Country:
France
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
13.00
Appellation:
Sancerre