By Paul Regis
Le Chatenai Sancerre 2018

Producer Notes
Paul Regis has been producing world-class Sancerre since the early 1960s from some of the best vineyards overlooking the Loire river, comprising both limestone-clay 'terres blanches' soils and 'caillottes' stony limestone soils. The former imparts richness and structure to the wine whereas the 'caillottes' limestone lends the characteristic zingy, refreshing acidity to the blend.

Vintage Notes
2018 has proved to be an exciting vintage in that growing conditions and ripeness were perfect, with sunshine levels as great as 2003, guaranteeing early maturity with excellent sugar levels. The cold, wet spring arrived unusually late but finally helped by leaving plenty of necessary water in the soil to cope with the extreme summer heat. Harvest took place at night and early morning to maintain freshness and Le Chatenai's older vines and deeper root systems helped them cope with the near-drought conditions of July and August, the most extreme since 1945. Malic acidity was lower than usual, which ensured all greener and less ripe flavors were eliminated, and the final analyses at harvest confirmed complexity, ripeness, and balance, which is not always the case for Sancerre!

Production Notes
The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested quickly around September 10th. Vinification was easy and smooth, using only natural yeasts, and maintaining low temperatures for about five days after gentle pressing and racking. Fermentation was temperature controlled in stainless steel tanks, and the wine was left to age on its fine lees before fining and bottling in the following spring.

Tasting Notes
The 2018s are showing aromatics of mandarin, pear, lime, and ripe grapefruit and the structured palate reveals layers of complex, mineral-inflected lime and lemon, with a refreshing clean lengthy finish.

Food Pairing
The wine stands alone as an excellent aperitif but will work throughout a whole meal of diverse seafood including oysters, grilled fish, and goat cheeses - especially the region's renowned Crottin de Chavignol.
[Information provided by J.H.N.]