Pré Semelé
Sancerre Blanc La Montee de St-Romble – 2022
Region: France - Loire
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.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Small parcel on slope with Northern/Northwestern exposure in Sancerre.
- Vineyard Area: 2.4 acres / 1 ha
- Soil: Kimmeridgian marls with Kimmeridgian limestone subsoil
- Exposure: Northwest
- Vine Age: 50 years
- Organic vineyard management since 2018, no chemical herbicides, insecticides or anti-rot product
- Soils plowed, grass cover crops between rows
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested into crates
- No sulfur used at harvest
- 3.5 hour gentle pressing, each lot vinified separately
- 48 hours cold stabilization at 46ºF
- Fermented using only indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled casks, 600 liter barrels and amphorae for 12 months
- Aged 12 months on fine lees in same vessels
- Just 4 g/hl of sulfur used in ageing – mineral based, made by the winery
- Blended and racked to stainless steel tanks for 6 months
- Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Winemaker's Notes
Montée de Saint Romble may be the estate’s most straightforward cuvée, but with a little patience, it will express real emotion. It always features perfect balance, even in very warm vintages due to the slope’s northern exposure.
Wine Summary
100% Sauvignon Blanc; alcohol 13%; small parcel grown in Kimmeridgian marls with Kimmeridgian limestone subsoils; 50 year old vines; organic vineyard management since 2018; hand harvested; 3.5 hour gentle pressing; 48 hrs cold stabilization; fermented with only indigenous yeast in temperature controlled casks, 600 liter barrels and amphorae; aged on fine lees 12 months; minimal sulfur used only in ageing; blended and racked to stainless tanks for 6 months; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Technical Information
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Total Acidity: 4.04 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 0.67 g/l
- Total S02: 45 mg/l
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Appellation(s) | Sancerre |
| Proprietors | Clément & Julien Raimbault |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Winemaker | Clement Raimbault |
| Annual Production | 13,500 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable, farmed using organic principles |