Domaine du Pré Semelé
Sancerre Rouge – 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
| Pinot Noir | Vine age – 10 to 40 years | Ferruginous calcareous clay with subsoil of limestone | 3.4 ha |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Soils: Ferruginous, calcareous clay with limestone subsoils
- Vine age: 10 to 40 years
- Surface area: 3.4 ha
- Planting density: 6,500 – 10,000 vines/ha
- Organically oriented vineyard management
- No herbicides or insecticides
- Soil plowed and grass grown between rows
Harvest Notes
- Grapes handpicked and collected in 25kg crates
- No sulfites used during vinification
- Grapes completely destemmed before cold pre-fermentation maceration
- Maceration for 3 weeks with very little intervention
- Grapes devatted and pressed
- Free-run and press juices are blended before aging
- 70% of wine aged in 500L and 228L barrels, 30% aged in conical wooden vats (10% new oak) for 12 months
- Malolactic fermentation naturally occurs in the spring
Winemaker's Notes
Dark in color, this red Sancerre boasts an intense, elegant nose that is redolent of red fruit (raspberry, strawberry). Rich on the palate with the support of well-integrated tannins. Best cellared for 2 to 3 years before opening to enjoy alongside cold cuts or grilled meats.
Wine Summary
100% Pinot Noir; alcohol: 14%; ferruginous, calcareous clay soils with limestone subsoil; organically-oriented farming without herbicides or pesticides; vines between 10 – 40 years old; hand harvested; no sulfites used during vinification; 70% of wine aged in 500L and 228L barrels, 30% in conical wooden vats (10% new) for 12 months.
Technical Information
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol: 14%
- pH: 3.35
- Acidity: 3.41
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 |