Sancerre Domaine Merlin Cherrier 2017

Merlin is presented in a multitude of ways, appearing in 1000s of forms of popular culture. Traditionally, he is viewed as the trusted advisor of King Arthur. If you follow the Harry Potter school of thought, Merlin was considered 'The Prince of Enchanters,' he was so influential in the universe you could swear by him, for example, "Merlin's beard a lot of adults are talking about this children's book!" At Oddbins he is a rather different legendary figure; Theirry Merlin Cherrier, who makes a wonderfully aromatic Sancerre. A wine that is zingy and fresh on the palate with heaps of grapefruit, lemon, elderflower and a flinty minerality. Merlin's beard, that's a good Sauvignon Blanc!

The Domaine Merlin Cherrier is a small to medium sized domaine of 13 hectares mainly located in the commune of Bue to the west of the famous town of Sancerre. It is owned and run by Thierry Merlin-Cherrier alongside his wife who manages the administration (of which there is a lot). They are a small family producer with a passion for making wines that reflect their place of origin whilst respecting the environment in which the grapes are grown and turned into wine. 2 vineyards around the village of Bue, one planted in 1950, the other in 2001 are utilised. Vines are trained to guyer over limestone and cailottes soils. ‘Lutte Raisonee’ is practised and where practical vines are worked by hand. Thinning and green harvesting is carried out to manage production volumes and quality. After machine harvesting the grapes are cold set, then fermentation starts with selected yeast strains. Fermentation is carried out in temperature controlled steel vats for 6 - 8 weeks at 16 up to 22 degrees Celsius. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on fine lees for 9 - 12months before cold stabilisation and filtration. The winery has praticed 'Lutte Raisonee' for more than 15 years, this philosophy is one of respect for the environment in all aspects of winemaking. From the reduced use of pesticides and insecticides in the vineyard, to water and energy management in the winery.