Domaine du Pré Semelé
Sancerre Blanc – 2019
Region: France - Loire
Domaine du Pré Semelé
Domaine du Pré Semelé lies in a tiny valley a few miles northwest of the hilltop town of Sancerre. The estate is managed by the third generation of the family Raimbault, brothers Julien and Clément, vigneron and winemaker, respectively. They are guided by their father Rémy, who has worked their vineyards for decades with his brother Claude. This is another wonderful example of the younger generation taking over the reigns of a family estate and elevating it to a new higher level.
Grapes / Soils
| Sauvignon Blanc | Age of Vines 5 – 40 years | Calcareous clay, subsoil is limestone |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Soils: Calcareous clay, 70% “Terres Blanches” (white earth), 30% “Caillottes” (little stones) with limestone subsoil
- Vine age: 5 – 40 years
- Surface area: 34.60 acres / 14 ha
- Organically oriented, environmentally responsible vineyard management
- Soils plowed, grass grown between rows
- No chemical herbicides or anti-rot products used
- Planting density: 6500 – 8000 vines/ha
- Yield: 65 hl/ha
Harvest Notes
- Carefully machine harvested at peak ripeness
- Long (3.5 hrs), gentle pressing, each lot is separately vinified
- Racked after cold stabilization for 48 hrs at 8ºC
- Inoculated with neutral yeast
- Fermented for 3 weeks in temperature-controlled (15-18º C) stainless steel tanks
- Aged on fine lees
- Wines racked and blended the following spring
- Fining with bentonite (natural clay)
- Cellulose filtered and bottled after CO2 adjustment
Winemaker's Notes
A harmonious, fresh cuvée to be savored with grilled fish and seafood as well as on its own as an aperitif.
Wine Summary
100% Sauvignon Blanc, alcohol: 13.5%; soils: calcareous clay (70% “Terres Blanches (white earth), 30% “Caillottes” (little stones) with limestone subsoil; vine age: 5 – 40 years; organically oriented, environmentally responsible viticulture; no chemical herbicides or anti-rot products used; long, gentle pressing and cold stabilization; fermented 3 weeks in stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks; aged on fine lees; fined with bentonite and cellulose filtered before bottling.
Technical Information
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Acidity: 4 g/l
- Dry Extract: 19 g/l
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Appellation(s) | Sancerre |
| Proprietors | Rémy, Clément & Julien Raimbault |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Winemaker | Clement Raimbault |
| Annual Production | 7,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |
