Wines Sancerre René Carrois - Crot de la Roue - 2024

Viniou Reviews

René Carroi’s 2024 “Cuvée Crot de la Roue” from Sancerre AOC is a classic Loire Valley white, crafted predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc, the emblematic grape of the region. The 2024 vintage is anticipated to be fresh and vibrant, reflecting the purity and aromatic intensity characteristic of Sancerre whites. Grown on the famed chalky-clay “terres blanches” as well as flintier “silex” soils, the grapes gain a distinctive minerality, while the cool climate preserves their lively acidity and precision. Vinification is typically conducted in stainless steel to accentuate the natural expressiveness of the fruit, resulting in a wine that bursts with citrus, elderflower, and subtle flinty notes, underpinned by a taut, mouth-watering finish.

Sancerre sits at the eastern edge of the Loire Valley, where rolling hills and a semi-continental climate create ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s unique soils, a mosaic of chalk, limestone, and flint, impart distinct nuances and minerality to its wines. Sancerre has a long and storied history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and has earned global acclaim for producing some of France’s finest and most expressive white wines. Each plot and vintage is nuanced by the combination of exposure, altitude, and soil composition, making each wine’s profile subtly different.

The bright acidity and expressive aromatics of this Sancerre make it a benchmark partner for fresh goat’s cheese—such as the famous Crottin de Chavignol from the region—which enhances both the wine’s minerality and the cheese’s creaminess. It also suits delicate seafood dishes, including oysters, scallops, and citrus-dressed prawns, or light vegetarian fare like asparagus risotto and salads with fine herbs. For more adventurous pairings, try it with sushi or sashimi, where the wine’s vibrancy will accentuate the freshness of the fish.

Serve well chilled for maximum enjoyment, ideally between 8-10°C. Take the time to enjoy its evolving bouquet as it warms ever so slightly, and appreciate the precision and energy that mark Sancerre at its best.