Pré Semelé
Sancerre Rouge Camille – 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
Estate vineyard in A.O.C Sancerre
- Vineyard area: 1.4 acres/0.60 ha
- Exposure: South
- Soils: Calcareous clay with Kimmeridgian limestone slab subsoil
- Age of vines: over 50 years
- Organically oriented, environmentally responsible vineyard management, no herbicides or pesticides
- Soil is plowed and grass grown between rows
Harvest Notes
Estate parcels around the village of Maimbré, Sancerre.
- Hand harvest with strict berry selection
- No sulfur used at harvest
- Maceration for 3 weeks
- Gentle fermentation with just 2 pumpovers during period
- Aged 12 months in varied containers: wooden vats, concrete eggs, 228L and 500L barrels
- Just 3 g/hl of sulfur used in ageing – mineral based, made by the winery
- Wine racked and blended
- Aged another 6 months in tank
- Bottled without fining or filtration
Winemaker's Notes
Ripe red fruits, particularly berries in the nose. Full and rich with smooth tannins and roundness, a heady yet refined Sancerre Rouge. Sophisticated and deeply satisfying. The name Camille honors our grandfather and uncle.
Wine Summary
100% Pinot Noir; alcohol: 13%; vineyards near Maimbré, Sancerre; calcareous clay with Kimmeridgian limestone slab subsoil; vines over 50 years; organically oriented farming, no herbicides or pesticides; hand harvested with grapes; no sulfites used in vinification; approx. 3 week fermentation with little intervention; aged 12 months in 500 & 228 liter oak barrels and concrete eggs; minimal sulfur used only in ageing; racked and aged 6 months in tank; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Technical Information
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
- Total Acidity: 3.14 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 0.13 g/l
- Total SO2: 35 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 |