Pré Semelé
Sancerre Rouge Mainbré – 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 parcels around the village of Maimbré, Sancerre.
- Vineyard Area: 7.4 acres/3 ha
- Exposure: South, Southeast
- Soil: Clay-calcareous with some iron content
- Vines Planted: about 1995
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvest with strict berry selection
- Maceration for 3 weeks
- No sulfur at harvest
- 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 6 months in tank
- Bottled without fining or filtration
Winemaker's Notes
The nose is intense and redolent of red berries. The palate is generous and silky, boasting well-integrated tannins. It is supported by Sancerre’s characteristic freshness that makes this Rouge outstanding.
Wine Summary
100% Pinot Noir; estate parcels around the village of Mainbrê, Sancerre; 30 year old vines grown in clay-calcareous soil with iron content; hand harvested; no sulphur added in fermentation; 3 week maceration; aged a year in varied containers: wooden vats, concrete eggs, 228L and 500L barrels; minimal sulfur used only in ageing; racked and transferred to tank for 6 months; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Technical Information
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
- Total Acidity: 3.15 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/l
- SO2: 36 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 |