The 2022 Sancerre Cuvée Mainbré from Domaine Pré Semelé is a striking example of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc at its finest. Crafted from vineyards rooted in the distinctive soils of Sancerre, this wine captures the essence of its terroir—most notably a mix of flint (silex), limestone, and clay that imparts both minerality and vibrancy to the finished cuvée. Domaine Pré Semelé is known for careful, sustainable vineyard management and a thoughtful approach to winemaking, typically favouring gentle pressing, cool fermentation, and minimal intervention to let the character of the grapes shine through. The result is a dry, aromatic white wine characterised by pure citrus zest, fresh cut grass, and the signature gunflint minerality that is quintessential to the best Sancerres.
The Sancerre region, perched on the undulating hills along the upper Loire, enjoys a cool continental climate. Spring frost and fluctuating summer temperatures provide both challenge and opportunity, leading to elegant wines with racy acidity and expressive aromatics. The chalky Kimmeridgian marl and silex soils here are renowned for producing particularly mineral Sauvignon Blancs, contributing to the region’s well-deserved reputation. Historically, Sancerre has held a prominent place in French viticulture since at least the Middle Ages, and over time, its whites have come to be celebrated worldwide for their precision and finesse.
With its crisp, vibrant profile, the Cuvée Mainbré is a natural partner for the seafood and goat cheese dishes of the region. Try it alongside fresh chèvre from Chavignol, oysters, or delicate seafood tartares—the wine’s acidity will cut through the richness, while its flinty edge will highlight oceanic and earthy flavours. Grilled asparagus, lemony chicken, or a salade de chèvre chaud are equally inspired choices.
For optimal enjoyment, chill the wine to 8-10°C before serving. This will enhance its aromatics and preserve its lively freshness, allowing the complexity and subtle nuances of this exemplary Sancerre to fully emerge with each sip.
