# Sancerre 'Vigne du Larrey' Monopole (2002)

- **Producer:** Gitton Père & Fils
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, peach, grass, butter, toast, bread, dried apricot, marmalade, honey, smoke, hazelnut

## About this wine

Gitton Père & Fils is a highly respected family estate in Sancerre, renowned for their traditional approach and focus on single-vineyard (monopole) expressions. 'Vigne du Larrey' is a unique parcel characterized by its flint (silex) soils, which impart a distinctive mineral character to the Sauvignon Blanc. Unlike many modern Sancerres, Gitton's wines are built for long-term aging, often drawing comparisons to fine white Burgundies as they mature.

## Interesting facts

- Vigne du Larrey is a monopole, meaning the entire vineyard is exclusively owned and cultivated by Gitton Père & Fils.
- The vineyard's soil is dominated by 'silex' (flint), which retains heat and gives the wine its signature smoky, mineral edge.
- Gitton is famous for holding back vintages, releasing wines only when they have reached a beautiful stage of maturity.

## Food pairing

As an aged Sancerre with rich texture and developed tertiary notes, this wine pairs beautifully with richer seafood, poultry, and earthy elements like mushrooms. The high acidity cuts through creamy sauces, while the mineral backbone complements the savory depth of aged goat cheese.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested from the 'Vigne du Larrey' monopole. Fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel and large wooden foudres. The wine is aged on its fine lees for an extended period without systematic malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural, vibrant acidity while building a rich, textured mid-palate.