Countryside near Sancerre

Sancerre: Grown in the Loire Valley of France, Sancerre is considered by many to be the world's finest wine from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. The Kimmeridgian soils in the steeply-sloping vineyards of the village of Chavignol imbue the Sauvignon Blanc grapes with a pure, but assertive and intense style.
   The wines of Sancerre, an appellation covering 4450 acres in the Loire Valley, are renowned for their depth and interest. The Pinot Noir and Sauvignon blanc vineyards are located on the banks of the Loire River, where the soil's high iron content contributes to the rich structure, flavor and longevity of the wines. The Laportes are dedicated to making the most of the region's potential and its wines are ideal accompaniments to an amazing array of cuisines. Very appealing.

Cepage: Sauvignon Blanc. Nowhere in the world does the Sauvignon Blanc yield a more expressive, aromatic and intense wine than here.

About the Producer: Serge and Elizabeth Laporte and their son Guillaume have long been award winning vignerons of this region. The Laporte vineyards are located on several different sites in Chavignol - a village/commune just northwest of the city of Sancerre and arguably the best place to grow Sauvignon Blanc.  The properties are beautifully exposed on the hillsides.  The terroir is important in Sancerre.  Laportes' Sauvignon Blanc is planted in parcels of "caillotes" (small pebbles) which is a stony limestone with little soil and also in parcels of argile-calcaire (clay limestone).  Each soil type contributes to the wine: caillottes produce wines that are forwardly fruity with finesse, argile-calcaire creates wines that are structured and long-lived. It is just about the best combination you can have in a Sancerre. Serge picks his grapes by hand and vinifies them parcel by parcel to assure that the individual flavors and aromas are accentuated.

Tasting Notes:  The 2008 Sancerre from Serge Laporte is a beautiful example of Chavignol Sancerre. It has the distinctive Sauvignon Blanc bouquet of clean, herb-tinged fruit and a touch of flinty, smoky complexity that sets Sancerre apart from any other Sauvignon Blanc wine. The flavors are clean, crisp and focused with fresh melon, fig and citrus fruit notes backed by the crisp edge of acidity that lends a real note of distinction.

Recommended Food Pairings: This wine is amazingly food friendly - pairing with all of the usual white wine companions as well as Asian cuisine and garlic based dishes. Sancerre is a classic companion for fresh seafood and the '08 Laporte Sancerre veritably begs for some fresh fish or shellfish to accompany it. This wine is also a fine match for the assertive goat's milk cheeses of the Loire. Grilled chèvre and Sancerre is a stellar combination--one that every lover of fine food and wine should experience.

Awards: Coup de Coeur - La Revue du Vin de France, Bronze Medal -

Gold Medal - Guide Hachette 2009

with 2 stars - guide gilbert et gaillard 2010

For more information about this producer:

website: http://www.domainesergelaporte.com