Francois le Saint - Sancerre Silex 2023 750ml (12.5% ABV)
we just grabbed a few bottles of the newly released '23 for our higher end wine club members - do not delay -
beautiful Sancerre from an icon of organic and biodynamically farmed Sauv Blanc (which was rare in this more industrialized winemaking region)
François le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations.
The Domaine uses traditional, artisanal methods in the vineyards and strives to respect the environment as far as possible. Three-quarters of the work is consequently carried out by hand. The Domaine’s priority is to respect the terroir. A Biodynamic approach has therefore been in place in both the vineyards and the winery since 2000. (5.5ha are in to Sancerre).
from 35 year old vines grown on a 3.15 ha plot of clay soils with flint (aka "Silex") and marls, The flint stones scattered in the vineyards help to absorb heat during the daytime and releases ambient warmth at night, and wines from these soils tend be very taut and bright. Known for their structure, wines made from Silex soils are taut and bright with a classic Sancerre minerality. They will reward aging as well.
Lemon blossom, grapefruit and lychee mingle on the slender palate, with a buzzing minerality, and gentle herbaceous notes all leading to a humming, flint-kissed finish. Crushed stones, green fig, lemon pith and peel streak through this energetic white, buffered slightly by a fine slick of lees bedding the stony palate. The finish lingers with buzzy rocks and ample salinity. Such a lovely wine of place and people.
Very much in youth, this will build complexity with time in your cellar.
The beautiful banks of the Loire Valley in Northeastern France are adorned with Disneyesque castles, quaint villages and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The region is responsible for some of France's most famous wines, most notably Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. These outstanding examples of Sauvignon Blanc have become a staple on restaurant wine lists across the world.
François Le Saint winery is a family-owned estate founded in 1749, now run by 10th generation descendants. They farm 56 hectares of land and are certified both organic and biodynamic. Respect for their terroir and for the land of their ancestors is of utmost importance. Their flinty, clay and Kimmeridgian marl soils are ideal for growing quality Sauvignon Blanc, which is most of their production. Mostly conducted by hand, traditional techniques are used to farm the land and in the winery.
Francois Le Saint's wines have a beautiful, stony minerality, typical of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. They are incredibly well-crafted wines, displaying elegance and an amazing balance between richness and freshness.
we want to support larger producers as well who are committed to environmental sustainability. As such, we are excited to partner with Domaine François le Saint.
The family is the largest landholder in Sancerre with 56 hectares planted to vines. The 10th generation of the family, Benoit and Paul, now manages the estate. Following their father’s lead, they have continued to transition their holdings to organic farming with biodynamic principles. Of course, they specialize in Sauvignon Blanc with plots on the diverse soils of Sancerre, ranging from chalky limestone to clay with flint. After more than 100 years farming these plots, the family knows how to grow and vinify their grapes in order to express the unique mineral composition of each plot.
Through experimentation, the cousins discovered that organic and biodynamic farming with minimal intervention in the cellar best showcases their terroir. As such grapes are pressed directly to the tank where they ferment with native yeasts. They continue to age in tanks on the lees for one year. Bottled with minimal sulfur, this lengthy process produces wines that showcase the unique qualities of Sancerre terroir.
Impressive Sauv Blanc!
mid-palate texture.
region - Loire, France
varietal - 100% Sauvignon Blanc
style - mineral white
farming/cellar - cert org & biodynamic, spontaneously fermented. Extended time on the lees Matured one year in stainless steel. minimal so2.
pairing - oysters, goat cheese