Sancerre blanc “Les Herses” AOC 2020

Les Herses is a two-hectare site with clay and flint in Ménétreol-sous-Sancerre. Planchon owns 0.98 hectares of Les Herses - parts of which are also planted with Pinot Noir - with a southeast exposure. The Sauvignon Blanc 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 the 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 according to the lunar cycle.

intense straw yellow

The Les Herses 2020 presents itself open and inviting right from the start. It reminds of jasmine, honeysuckle and white tea in combination with a slightly exotic note of pineapple and a hint of guava. It is joined by citrus notes and - most distinctly - herbs and rock with a little petrichor and a touch of mint.

On the palate, the Sauvignon Blanc appears juicy, ripe and powerful with a clear depth and complexity in the fruit, combined with a creamy texture and a very slight wood influence. A mixture of flowers, white currants, crisp apples and pears, stone and smoke is evident here. The acidity is precise and clear. It characterises the wine, which, despite its power, never seems too opulent, but always polished and leads into a long, intense and elegant finish.