It’s been a long winter no matter where you are: tons of rain, tons of ice, and tons of snow. While of course we look forward to stretching our legs in the spring and summer, this weather did put us in the mood for a region that has hearty reds for the cold, but crisp, snappy whites for the warm weather: the Loire Valley of France.

The Loire Valley covers a huge area of France - extending from just south of Paris all the way to the Atlantic coast. What this means is that there is a huge variety of wines, terroirs, and histories to explore. It’s true that many of you are familiar with the Sancerres that we’ve poured at the Enoteca for years, or the Chinons we’ve had on the wall, but we wanted to showcase something a little less familiar this time around.

With that in mind we firstly grabbed a couple of sparkling wines. The Loire Valley produces an astounding amount of sparkling wine and we couldn’t resist grabbing a Pet-Nat, or Petillant Natural, as well as one done in the method champenoise. It will come as no surprise that the white wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. However these producers represent the best terroirs available, including some that may be unfamiliar such as Quincy, which is 50 miles west of it’s more famous neighbor, Sancerre. Lastly, while Sancerre may be synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, we have a stunning Pinot Noir that will shatter expectations and a Cabernet Franc that wears its rusticity proudly.

This has been an exciting club to put together and we know you will feel the same. Salute,

Rob & Nicole Della Santina

February 2023

Club Oro

NV Beatrice & Pascal Lambert Chinon Brulles Vin de France

Retail: $30 Alcohol: 12.5%

Beatrice and Pascal Lambert are true artisans. They farm about 35 acres just east of the center of Chinon in a region that is famous for its complex terroir, expressed entirely through either Chenin Blanc or Cabernet Franc.

Because the Crémant de Loire (sparkling wine made by the Champagne method, but not from Champagne) is reserved just for the Anjou-Saumur and Tourraine appellations, this little sparkler bears the modest moniker of Vin de France. Nonetheless, the pedigree of the grapes is uncontested and this wine is a stunner. A classic aperitif, it has enough muscle to go well with an array of dishes...but we’re thinking Cajun-style crayfish might be the most interesting, if messy, pairing.

2021 Domaine Mardon Quincy Tres VV
Retail: $25 Alcohol: 13.5%

The village of Quincy is located about 50 miles west of Sancerre on the left bank of the Cher river. To those in the know, this picture-esque Loire Valley appellation is an excellent source of crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc. The Mardon family has been producing wine in the area since the early 19th century and it is indisputable that they produce the best, most serious, most complex Quincy available. Their “Tres Vieilles Vignes” cuvée is made from vines that exceed 50 years of age, and it rivals many a top Sancerre for its complexity and depth.

It wouldn’t be a Loire club without a Sauvignon Blanc, but this expression from Quincy (which may be unfamiliar to those more accustomed to Sancerre) is quintessential.

2020 Sylvain Pastou Sancerre Rouge
Retail: $30 Alcohol: 13%

The tiny village of Sury-en-Vaux, northwest of Sancerre, is the secret home of the extraordinarily character-rich wines of the Pastou family. Winemaker Jean-Marc Pastou for some 30 years has followed a singular calling to make the most authentic Sancerre his few acres will give. His vineyards sit at the highest point in the village, and his older vines (that he planted himself) grow on perfect terroir: the classic chalky stones and flinty soils which give Sancerre its characteristic zip.

With just a handful of acres on “terres blanches,” the chalky, mineral soils that define Sancerre, the Pastou family crafts a medium-bodied, delightful Sancerre Rouge — pure Pinot Noir. Great with charcuterie and a rustic baguette after a long day! Made exclusively in tank, so every bit of rubied, Pinot fruit is expressed without filter.

Email us at wine@dellasantinas.com for more information.