Wines Sancerre Henri Bourgeois - Grande Réserve - 2023

Henri Bourgeois’s Sancerre Grande Réserve 2023 is a white wine that showcases all the finesse and vivacity typical of Sauvignon Blanc from this renowned Loire appellation. The 2023 vintage, still marked by its youth, displays exuberant notes of citrus—grapefruit and lemon zest—alongside white flowers and a subtle mineral edge. Crafted from carefully selected parcels on mainly limestone and flint (silex) soils, the wine undergoes precise vinification to preserve the grape’s natural freshness and aromatic intensity. The “demi-sec” style brings a gentle, off-dry character, lending a supple mouthfeel without losing the signature minerality and zesty acidity for which Sancerre is lauded.

The Sancerre region, located in the eastern part of the Loire Valley, benefits from a semi-continental climate with cool nights that help retain acidity and develop aromatic complexity in the grapes. The soils here—primarily chalky limestone “caillottes”, flinty “silex” and clay-limestone “terres blanches”—impart structure, tension, and distinctive mineral notes to the wines. Sancerre has been celebrated for centuries, historically recognised for producing some of the world’s finest expressions of Sauvignon Blanc.

For food pairings, this Sancerre demi-sec finds its match in a variety of dishes. Its balance of freshness and gentle sweetness makes it a lovely companion to goat’s cheese (particularly the Loire Valley’s iconic Crottin de Chavignol), smoked or poached salmon, and shellfish such as scallops or prawns. It also pairs beautifully with Thai cuisine, especially dishes with citrus and mild spice, as well as with sushi. For a more regional touch, consider a warm goat’s cheese salad or a classic quiche.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it chilled at 8-10°C. This temperature will highlight its aromatic spectrum while accentuating the fine balance between vibrant acidity and demi-sec roundness. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up and reveal its layered complexity.