The 'St. Pierre' is crafted entirely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on some of Sancerre's most prestigious terroirs, including Monts Damnés, Cous de Brault, and Chêne Marchand. These 30 parcels, benefiting from south-southeast exposures, are planted on three distinctive soil types: Terres Blanches (chalky-clay) for rich, full-bodied wines; Caillottes (pebbly-chalk) for fine and fruity wines; and Silex (flinty) for wines with vibrancy and openness. The vines, aged 15 to 20 years, are cultivated using sustainable methods with controlled yields through severe de-budding. Harvesting is done by hand, ensuring the highest quality.
Vinification involves gentle handling of the grapes to prevent oxidation, followed by slow fermentation at low temperatures in thermo-regulated tanks to preserve the Sauvignon Blanc's natural aromas. The wine is matured on the lees without undergoing malolactic fermentation. On the palate, the 'St. Pierre' showcases a lively and rich character with white fruit and citrus aromas. It is medium-bodied, with a fresh, slightly saline finish that enhances its finesse and length, exemplifying the elegance of Sancerre's terroir.
Domaine Pierre Prieur 'St. Pierre' Sancerre 2022 375ml
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.
