# Sancerre Les Messieurs (2020)

- **Producer:** Gitton Père et Fils
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** dried herbs, apple, grapefruit, peach, lemon peel

## About this wine

Sancerre Les Messieurs is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Sancerre AOC in France's Loire Valley, produced by Gitton Père et Fils. The Gitton family, with a winemaking history dating back to 1945, emphasizes respecting the terroir and practices separate vinification for each vineyard plot to preserve its unique characteristics. The Sancerre region's soils, composed of chalk, flint, and marl, contribute significantly to the distinctiveness of its wines. The 2020 vintage is noted for its generous fruit and balanced freshness.

## Interesting facts

- Gitton Père et Fils vinifies each vineyard plot separately.
- The Gitton family has been making wine since 1945.
- Sancerre soils are rich in chalk, flint, and marl.
- The average vine age at Gitton is around 30 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its herbal and citrus notes complement fresh ingredients and delicate seafood. The minerality found in Sancerre also harmonizes beautifully with the briny character of shellfish.

## Wine making process

Gitton Père et Fils employs a winemaking approach centered on respecting the terroir. A key technique is the separate vinification of each vineyard plot, allowing for the preservation of subtle qualities derived from different soils. The producer avoids artificial yeasts or enzymes, suggesting a reliance on native yeasts for fermentation. While specific fermentation details are not provided, the overall philosophy indicates a careful process aimed at expressing the fruit and soil. Some white wines from the estate are aged for several years in bottle before release.