Masson-Blondelet Sancerre Rosé “Thauvenay”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The vines are planted on complex chalky-Portlandian-flinty soils.
- The vineyards, facing southeast, enjoy a micro-climate caused by the Loire River, which protects them from the extreme variations in temperature.
- There are very few 100% Pinot Noir Rosé made in the Loire Valley.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Natural. Immediate destemming after harvest, no press, we only collect the fresh juice of the red grapes before their maceration, fermentation in stainless steel tanks after cold settling, no malolactic fermentation, non oaked
Tasting Notes: Light salmon-colored with brilliant tints. An excellent Sancerre Rosé made with Pinot Noir; dry and fruity, elegant and straight from this dedicated grower in the heart of the Loire’s Central Vineyards. Subtle flowered nose, fresh attack, nice body with aromas of red berries.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Michelle and Jean-Michel Masson created Domaine Masson-Blondelet after marrying one another in 1975. Both came from Loire winegrowing families and brought with them cru holdings in Pouilly Fume and Sancerre totaling 21 hectares.
Three basic soil types exist in Pouilly-Fumé – Kimmeridgian Marl, Flint, and Hard Limestone. Because each of the Domain’s vineyards sit on one of these soil types, Masson-Blondelet vinifies and bottles each vineyard separately (Les Angelots, Villa Paulis, and Les Pierres de Pierre for Pouilly Fume and Thauvenay for Sancerre).
The seventh generation is now involved – Son Pierre-François manages the Domaine’s vineyard work (organic philosophy), and daughter Melanie manages company sales and assists with winemaking (natural philosophy). Total production is small, about 120,000 bottles per year.