The Sancerre Rouge "Charlouise" 2021 by Vincent Pinard represents one of the qualitative peaks of Pinot Noir outside Burgundy. This cuvée, produced from vines over 40 years old located on the famous calcareous soils of Bué, is a wine of disarming nobility and depth, capable of defying time with infinite grace.
Vincent Pinard Sancerre Rouge "Charlouise" 2021
The Aristocracy of Pinot Noir
The Sancerre Rouge "Charlouise" 2021 is the flagship red wine of Domaine Vincent Pinard. Born from old vines cultivated on caillottes (hard, stony limestone) soils, this wine is a tribute to elegance and complexity. The 2021 vintage, with its fresh and vibrant profile, has enhanced the mineral nature of this cuvée, giving us a Pinot Noir that shines with tension, verticality, and crystalline aromatic purity. It is an emotional wine, destined for the most refined palates.
Sensory Profile In the glass, it presents a bright and transparent ruby red. The nose is an embroidery of aromas: small black fruits, wild cherry, and wild strawberries intertwine with notes of violet, sweet spices, and a smoky trail typical of the Sancerre terroir. On the palate, the entry is silky, almost caressing, but immediately supported by a saline structure and vibrant freshness. The tannins are extremely fine, perfectly integrated into a dense and elegant texture. The finish is very long, marked by echoes of wild berries and a magnetic mineral persistence.
Philosophy and Vinification Florent and Clément Pinard work the "Charlouise" vines with meticulous precision. Yields are very low to maximize concentration. Vinification is artisanal: the hand-harvested grapes undergo a drastic selection. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and maceration is long but delicate. Aging takes place in French oak barriques for about 18 months, with a skillful use of wood that helps structure the wine without ever altering its varietal purity.
Food Pairings A wine of such stature requires high-level pairings. It is perfect with noble meats such as roasted pigeon, duck à l'orange, or a saddle of venison with red fruits. It also pairs divinely with dishes based on black truffles or with high-quality bloomy rind cheeses.
Technical and Identification Data
Producer: Domaine Vincent Pinard
Wine: Sancerre Rouge "Charlouise"
Vintage: 2021
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Loire Valley (Sancerre)
Soil: Calcareous (Caillottes)
