Domaine du Pré Semelé
Sancerre Rouge Camille – 2017
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 | Age of vines – 45 years | Calcareous clay, subsoil Kimmeridgian limestone slabs | 1.85 acres/0.75 ha |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Vineyard area: 1.85 acres/0.75 ha
- Soils: Calcareous clay with Kimmeridgian limestone slab subsoil
- Age of vines: 45 years
- Organically oriented, environmentally responsible vineyard management
- Soil is plowed and grass grown between rows
- No herbicides or pesticides
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested ito 25kg boxes
- Grapes sorted on vibrating table
- 30-40% of grapes not destemmed
- No sulfites used in vinification
- Fermentation for 3-4 weeks with very little intervention, only gentle pumpovers
- After pressing, press juice is filtered
- Free-run and press juices blended
- Aging: clear juices for 12 months, 70% in 500 liter barrels and 30% in 228 liter barrels, 20-30% new oak
- Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in spring
Winemaker's Notes
Ruby red in color with a concentrated nose featuring notes of dark fruit coulis (blackcurrent, blackberry) that mingle with the toasted notes from barrel aging. Round and rich on the palate with silky tannins that are a harbinger for good aging. Open 3 years after bottling or cellar for up to 10 years or mare. Serve with game or meats with sauce.
Wine Summary
100% Pinot Noir; alcohol: 13.5%; soils: calcareous clay with Kimmeridgian limestone slab subsoil; vine age 45 years; organically oriented farming, no herbicides or pesticides; hand harvested with grapes sorted on vibrating table; 30% grapes not destemmed; no sulfites used in vinification; 3 week fermentation with little intervention; aged for 12 months in 500 liter (70%) and 228 liter (30%) oak barrels, 20-30% new.
Technical Information
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- pH: 3.40
- Acidity: 3.47 g/l
- Dry extract: 0.12 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 |
