Domaine du Pré Semelé
Sancerre Blanc Les Chasseignes – 2018
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 the vines – 30 to 50 years | Soil “Caillottes” (little stones), subsoil is limestone | 1 ha |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Vineyard area: 1 Ha
- Soils: “Caillottes” (little stones) with limestone subsoil
- Vine age: 30 – 50 years
- Planting density: 6500 vines/Ha
- Yield: 55 hl/ha
- Organically oriented, environmentally responsible vineyard management
- No chemical herbicide or anti-rot products used
- Grass cover crops, plowed soils
Harvest Notes
- Grapes handpicked and collected in 25kg crates
- Long (3.5 hrs), gentle pressing
- Cold stabilization for 48 hours at 8°C
- Neutral yeast added
- Fermented and aged in 20hl temperature controlled (15-18°C) casks for 3 weeks
- Aged on fine lees
- Bentonite fined
- Cellulose filtered
Winemaker's Notes
The sun-drenched limestone terrior lends this wine notes of ripe fruit (white peach, juicy pear) and minerality. The palate is rich and balanced, starting off with finesse and finishing with lovely length and pronounced salinity due to this wine’s minerality.
Wine Summary
100% Sauvignon Blanc; alcohol: 13%; soils: little stones over limestone; vine age: 30 – 50 years; organically oriented farming; long, gentle pressing, cold stabilization for 48 hours; fermented and aged in 20 hl casks at 15-18°C for 3 weeks, aged on fine lees; bentonite fined and cellulose filtered.
Technical Information
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
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 |