Viniou Reviews
Domaine Michel Girard et Fils 2024 Sancerre Blanc is a classic representation of the Sauvignon Blanc grape in one of its most iconic terroirs. This wine, hailing from the celebrated Sancerre AOC in the heart of the Loire Valley, is crafted with meticulous attention by the Girard family. The 2024 vintage benefits from an early but balanced season, producing a wine that offers fresh citrus aromatics and a vibrant acidity, balanced by subtle mineral notes brought forth from the region’s famous chalky Kimmeridgian limestone and flint-rich soils. The vinification highlights purity: fermented in stainless steel to preserve the grape’s expressive fruit and the terroir’s crisp silhouette, this Sancerre presents notes of grapefruit, green apple, and a signature flinty character.
Sancerre, located in the Centre-Loire region, is known for its rolling hills along the upper Loire River. The temperate continental climate, with cool evenings and warm days, aids in the slow ripening of grapes, enhancing aromatic precision and balancing acidity. Sancerre’s soils are a fascinating mosaic of limestone, clay, and silex (flint), contributing to the mineral-driven elegance that distinguishes its wines. Historically revered since the Middle Ages, Sancerre has grown from a medieval trading post to a global reference for Sauvignon Blanc, prized for its finesse and ageing potential.
To best enjoy this Sancerre Blanc, pair it with seafood such as oysters, grilled prawns, or smoked salmon. The wine’s lively acidity and mineral backbone make it an ideal match for goat cheeses, especially the local Crottin de Chavignol, as well as delicate white fish in lemon butter sauce. It also complements vegetable-based dishes, such as asparagus or pea risotto, and brings freshness to dishes with subtle herbal or citrus notes.
For an optimal tasting experience, chill the wine to a temperature between 8-10°C. This will highlight its crispness, aromatic complexity, and minerality, ensuring you capture the essence of both the grape and its storied Sancerre origins.
