Sancerre blanc “Les Herses” AOC 2019

Les Herses is a two-hectare site with clay and flint in Ménétreol-sous-Sancerre. In Les Herses, Planchon owns 0.98 hectares - but parts of which are also planted with Pinot Noir - with a southeast exposure. The vines are on average 45 years old, planted at a density of 7,700 vines/hectare and yield around 50 hl/ha. After the hand harvest, the grapes are slowly pressed in a pneumatic press and pre-clarified at a temperature below 10 °C for about 36 hours. Then spontaneous fermentation takes place to 70 % in stainless steel tanks and to 30 % in 500 litre barrels. Maturation on the fine lees takes place in the same containers over a period that varies depending on the year. On average, it is ten to twelve months. Bottling then takes place in the lunar cycle.

intense straw yellow

The Les Herses still seems shy and a little introverted at the start. Air helps, and therefore it should be decanted. Afterwards, a bright and slightly smoky fragrance develops with notes of white flowers, crushed stone, citrusy yellow and green notes, some green pineapple and herbs.

On the palate the Sancerre almost more floral-scented than on the nose. The wine quickly picks up speed. It seems lively, agile, sinewy in its acidity, rich in substance, but by no means opulent. Besides the flowers, there are again bright, green-yellow citrus notes, stone and a little smoke. The Sancerre from the Silex appears very dry, very clear, creamy, fresh and finely chiselled with good pressure until the finish, in which a slight wood note becomes apparent.