Alain Girard Domaine des Brosses Sancerre 2023

Alain Girard Domaine des Brosses Sancerre 

Region: Loire, France

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

Pale lemon in colour, this wine displays aromas of ripe citrus and white flowers, paired with subtle herbaceous notes. Its vibrant and balanced palate reveals the minerality and freshness of an excellent Sancerre.

The Girard family have six different parcels of Sauvignon Blanc vines across the Sancerre appellation, near the towns of Veaugues and Montigny. The hillside vineyards are located on classic clay and chalk soils, giving the grippy, mineral style expected of true Sancerre. The vines are aged between 15 and 45 years old. Domaine des Brosses has used a machine harvester to collect the grapes since 1989. This is to ensure the Sauvignon Blanc is brought to the winery in the cool night-time temperatures, thus retaining the classic citrus and gooseberry aromas and flavours of Sancerre.

Established in 1875, Domaine des Brosses lies 10 kilometres south of Sancerre and was modernised by the Girard family, who took over the winery and its 11 hectares of vineyards in 1973. Nicolas Girard, who now runs the estate, travelled extensively in search of the world's finest Sauvignon Blancs and the best techniques for tending these vines. He has applied this knowledge to Domaine des Brosses’ vineyards on the hillsides around the village of Veaugues. These vines are particularly prized for their naturally well-draining soils and southern exposure. In total, there are six parcels of vines, each imparting slightly different nuances to the finished wine, which is aged on its fine lees for several months to add weight to the palate. The resulting expression has aromas of white flowers, pear and apricots, coupled with a racy acidity typical of Sancerre.