# Sancerre Les Belles Dames (2023)

- **Producer:** Gitton Père et Fils
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Loire Valley, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €46
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** gooseberry, grapefruit, lemon, vanilla, cloves, petrol (gasoline), almond

## About this wine

Gitton Père et Fils Sancerre Les Belles Dames 2023 is a dry white wine from the Sancerre appellation in the Loire Valley, France, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine originates from the estate's largest vineyard parcel, 'Les Belles Dames,' which is characterized by its pure silex (flint) soil. This specific terroir is known to contribute to the wine's intensity and mineral expression. The Gitton family has a long-standing history in winemaking, dating back to 1945, and emphasizes a terroir-focused approach, managing the estate across multiple generations. Their vineyards are spread across 33 hectares, with a significant portion dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Les Belles Dames' parcel is Gitton's largest vineyard.
- Vineyards are planted on pure silex (flint) soil.
- Average vine age is 30-45 years.
- Wines are often compared to those of Dagueneau for quality.

## Food pairing

The wine's crisp acidity and mineral notes cut through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its inherent fruitiness complements the sweetness of shellfish. The wine's structure also stands up well to the assertive flavors of goat cheese.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Gitton Père et Fils Sancerre Les Belles Dames involves vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for approximately 8 months. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for 12 months in 600-liter neutral French oak barrels, during which bâtonnage (lees stirring) is employed to enhance complexity and texture. The estate practices parcel-based vinification, treating each vineyard block separately to preserve subtle qualities derived from diverse soils. The winemaking aims to respect tradition and terroir, with no artificial yeast or enzymes used.