The 'Les Monts Damnés' is crafted exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on the chalky-clay soils of the renowned "Terres Blanches" terroir. Known for its challenging, steep slopes, this vineyard yields wines of richness and complexity that age gracefully. The 30-year-old vines are pruned using the Guyot method, and grapes are harvested by hand in small crates to ensure their quality. Gentle pressing and careful handling minimize oxidation, preserving the integrity of the fruit.
Vinification involves slow, temperature-controlled fermentation in thermo-regulated wooden tanks, followed by nine months of aging on lees in 40-hectoliter wooden tanks. The wine displays a pale gold color and a fine nose with aromas of white and exotic fruits, complemented by blackcurrant bud notes. On the palate, it is fresh and vibrant, offering a balanced fruit profile and a distinctive minerality that embodies the character of this exceptional terroir. With limited production, it is a true representation of the elegance and depth of Sancerre.
Domaine Pierre Prieur 'Les Monts Damnés' Sancerre 2020
Domaine Pierre Prieur & Fils, a historic family estate in Sancerre, has cultivated its legacy over eleven generations on some of the region's most prestigious terroirs, including Les Monts Damnés, Les Bouffants, and Le Chêne Marchand. This heritage is deeply tied to Sancerre's renowned identity, which is defined by the unique interplay between its terroir and the two signature grape varieties—Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir—chosen by the region’s forebears.
Today, the domaine remains family-run, spanning over 15 hectares, with 12 hectares dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc and the rest to Pinot Noir. The estate produces wines that exemplify the elegance, minerality, and balance for which Sancerre is celebrated, showcasing the timeless connection between tradition, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Sancerre, located in the Loire Valley of France, is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, celebrated for its elegant and terroir-driven wines. Known primarily for its Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre produces crisp, aromatic white wines with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a signature flinty minerality from the region’s unique limestone, marl, and flint soils. In addition to whites, Sancerre also crafts refined reds and rosés from Pinot Noir, known for their lightness, freshness, and delicate fruit character.
The region’s vineyards, perched on rolling hills along the Loire River, benefit from a cool continental climate that enhances acidity and flavor intensity. With a winemaking history dating back centuries, Sancerre combines traditional practices with modern techniques to maintain its reputation for quality. Sancerre wines are versatile and food-friendly, pairing beautifully with seafood, goat cheese, and a variety of light dishes, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts globally.
The Northern Rhône is also celebrated for its white wines, crafted from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Appellations like Condrieu and Hermitage produce distinctive whites that range from aromatic and fresh to rich and age-worthy. The granite and schist soils, combined with a cooler climate and diverse exposures, contribute to the region’s complexity and finesse, making it a cornerstone of Rhône Valley winemaking.
Hermitage is equally famous for its exceptional white wines, crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne. These whites are known for their richness, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, often developing honeyed and nutty notes with time. With a long history of winemaking dating back to ancient times, Hermitage represents the pinnacle of Rhône Valley viticulture, producing both red and white wines that are highly sought after for their elegance and depth.
