Domaine Sautereau Sancerre Rouge, Loire, France

Bright red cherries, ripe raspberries, delicate floral notes, and subtle woodland spice introduce Domaine Sautereau Sancerre Rouge, an elegant Pinot Noir from the rolling hills of Sancerre in France's Upper Loire Valley. Produced from vineyards rooted in iron-rich sandstone and stony limestone soils, this expressive red combines vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and finely textured tannins. Careful fermentation and a combination of stainless-steel and oak maturation preserve the wine's natural freshness while introducing gentle complexity. Fragrant, supple, and beautifully balanced, it offers a distinctive expression of red Sancerre, revealing the finesse of Pinot Noir alongside delicate mineral, herbal, and savoury nuances.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyard Source: Parcels in Crézancy-en-Sancerre and Bué
• Soil Composition: Predominantly iron-rich sandstone and sandy Terres Rouges soils, with additional stony limestone Caillottes soils
• Grape Preparation: Destemmed and sorted before fermentation
• Fermentation: Controlled extraction to develop balanced fruit flavours and tannins
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Malolactic Fermentation: Undertaken following alcoholic fermentation, according to the producer's technical documentation
• Maturation: Approximately one year in stainless steel and oak barrels
• Stainless-Steel Maturation: The majority of the wine is aged in stainless-steel vats to preserve freshness and fruit purity
• Oak Maturation: A smaller proportion is matured in oak barrels to develop roundness, texture, and complexity
• Flavour Profile: Red cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, plum, delicate herbs, woodland earth, and subtle toasted spice
• Ageing Potential: Approximately 5 to 7 years under suitable cellar conditions, depending on vintage
• Allergens: Contains sulphites

Sensory Description:

Brilliant ruby-red in appearance, the wine opens with inviting aromas of fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, redcurrants, and delicate floral notes. Subtle impressions of blackcurrant, dried herbs, and sweet spice emerge alongside gentle woodland earthiness. The palate is supple and finely structured, revealing juicy red berries, ripe plum, and refreshing acidity supported by silky, well-integrated tannins. Restrained oak influence contributes delicate toasted nuances without overwhelming the wine's bright Pinot Noir character. A subtle mineral quality adds definition to the mid-palate, while savoury herbal notes provide additional complexity. The finish is elegant, fresh, and persistent, leaving impressions of red fruit, gentle spice, and delicate woodland character.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver Medals: International Wine Challenge, 2026 and 2025, 2023 vintage
• Silver Medal: International Wine Challenge, 2022, 2020 vintage
• Silver Medals: Lyon International Wine Competition, 2017 for the 2015 vintage and 2016 for the 2014 vintage
• Commended: International Wine Challenge, 2024 for the 2022 vintage and 2023 for the 2020 vintage
• 1 Star: Le Guide Hachette des Vins, 2009 edition, 2006 vintage

Winemaker’s Background:

Domaine Sautereau is a historic family-owned estate in Crézancy-en-Sancerre, with winegrowing roots extending to 1683. Representing the tenth generation, David Sautereau has managed the estate since 1997, building upon his family's heritage while incorporating experience gained in Burgundy, Champagne, Switzerland, Australia, and the United States. Today, the domaine cultivates approximately twenty hectares across several Sancerre terroirs, producing Sauvignon Blanc alongside Pinot Noir reds and rosés. Its Sancerre Rouge reflects David's commitment to expressing the region's diverse soils through careful vineyard management, measured extraction, and a balanced approach to stainless-steel and oak maturation.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at approximately 14 degrees Celsius in a Burgundy-style red wine glass to highlight its fragrant red fruit, delicate spice, and refreshing acidity. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to reveal its subtle herbal and earthy complexity. Pair with roast chicken, herb-roasted turkey, duck breast, or game terrine. Its elegant tannins and vibrant freshness also make it an excellent accompaniment to grilled salmon, seared tuna, mushroom risotto, and calf's liver with raspberry vinegar. For cheese pairings, choose Brie, Comté, or lightly aged goat's cheese. Enjoy young for its bright fruit and floral character, or cellar a suitable vintage for further savoury development.