2024 Domaine du Pré Semelé ‘Mainbré’ Sancerre Blanc

The Mainbré cuvée is the estate’s flagship blend. A fruity, mouthwatering wine with complex aromas. The palate features good balance, supported by just the right amount of acidity, and a lingering finish.100% Sauvignon Blanc; alcohol: 13%; estate vineyards in lieu dit village de Maimbray, Sancerre AOC; grown in calcareous clay soil, 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; no sufur used at harvest; aged on lees 10 months, part in wood foudres; bottled without fining or filtration.

Crisp, crunchy grapefruit and lime citrus flavors combine with a subtle herbaceous element that adds complexity, leading to a long, saline finish. A harmonious, fresh cuvée to be savored. Pair with seafood and grilled fish or as an aperitif.15.5% alc.
Organically oriented vineyard management. Soils plowed, grass cover crops between rows. No chemical herbicides, insecticides or anti-rot products. Soils: Calcareous clay, 70% “Terres Blanches” (white earth), 30% “Caillottes” (little stones) with limestone subsoil. Vine Age: 7 – 42 years

This is a true family winery, sustainable, located in the coolest area of Sancerre. The wine is fabulous, very bight, high acidity, with notes of wet stone minerality and fleshy green apples.

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.