Pré Semelé
Sancerre Blanc Mainbré – 2023
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
Estate vineyards in lieu dit village of Maimbray, Sancerre AOC.
- Vineyard Area: 37 acres (5 ha)
- Exposure: South and North
- Soil: Calcareous, 75% Kimmeridgian, 25% Portlandian
- Average Vine Age: 25 years
- Yield: 65 hl
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested into 500kg bins
- No sulfur used at harvest
- 3.5 hour, gentle pressing to delicately extract juice
- 48 hour cold soak/settle
- Vinified with only indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and wood vats
- Aged 10 months on lees, part in wood foudres
- A minimal amount of mineral based, estate-made sulfur (4 g/hl) is used in aging.
- Bottled without fining or filtration
Winemaker's Notes
This Mainbré Sancerre cuvée is the estate’s flagship blend. A scrumptious, fruity wine that boasts complex aromas. The palate features good balance, supported by just the right amount of acidity, and offers remarkable length.
Wine Summary
100% Sauvignon Blanc; alcohol: 13%; estate vineyards in lieu dit village de Maimbray, Sancerre AOC; grown in calcareous soils, 2/3 Kimmeridgian, 1/3 Portlandian; hand harvested and gently pressed 3.5hrs; fermented after 48hr cold soak with only indigenous yeast in stainless steel and wood vats; aged on lees 10 months, part in wood foudres; minimal sulfur used only in ageing; bottled without fining or filtration.
Technical Information
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Total Acidity: 3.61 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 0.53 g/l
- Total SO2: 68 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 |