Sancerre AOC, Cuvée La Croix du Roy, Domaine Lucien Crochet 2019

From the historic vineyards of the Loire Valley, Vines & Terroirs is a curated wine house founded in 2015 by Charles Soulisse Plou and Valentin Maurel, heirs to French winemaking dynasties with roots stretching back over twenty generations . This passionate company bridges tradition and innovation, selecting exceptional wines that tell authentic stories of their terroir.

The Sancerre AOC Cuvée La Croix du Roy from Domaine Lucien Crochet carries a rich heritage, with the Crochet and Picard families having cultivated vines in the Sancerre district since as early as 1765 . The domaine, located in the village of Bué, was formed through the marriage of these two families and has been bottling its own wines since 1934 . Today, under the direction of Laurence and Clément Crochet, the estate spans 35 hectares, with 9 hectares dedicated to Pinot Noir for this exceptional red Sancerre .

The taste is a beautifully expressive Pinot Noir, revealing a deep ruby red colour with violet reflections . On the nose, it offers an intense and complex bouquet of ripe black and red fruits, including cherry and blueberry, which evolve into mellow oak notes with hints of mocha, cocoa bean, and a touch of graphite . The palate is seductive and velvety, with a round, creamy texture supported by fine, elegant tannins . The brightness of the fruit shines through, with cherry evolving towards kirsch nuances, leading to a finish with peppery notes and a hint of fresh wood .

To fully appreciate its character, we recommend serving this wine between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius . This versatile red is a perfect companion to slow cooked meats, such as braised beef cheek or roast venison, and also pairs beautifully with roasted Bresse capon or a classic boeuf bourguignon . For a classic match, we suggest a cherry glazed duck breast or a lamb shoulder with olives and rosemary, which will echo the wine’s generous fruit and elegant structure .