Domaine Roc de l'Abbaye - Florian Mollet Sancerre 'Tradition' 2022

Description

Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye Sancerre ‘Tradition’ 2022 is also known as Florian Mollet Sancerre Tradition after the winemaker at Loire winery, Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye. The wine is from the winery’s Tradition cuvée, the range of wines that are intended to taste exactly as you would expect – so this wine is just how a great Sancerre should be. It is a wine of contrasts – relatively full-bodied yet crisp and light, subtle yet full of flavours.

Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye Sancerre Tradition is light golden in colour. Whilst the wine initially gives off subtle Sauvignon Blanc grassy aromas,  these swiftly fall away to be replaced by light gooseberry and lemon notes and a distinctive flinty minerality. On first sip you are struck by the sharp acidity typical of Sauvignon Blanc but this softens to a silky smooth texture. Classic gooseberry, apple and citrus flavours combine with hints of peach and lychees; the mouth is coated with a long flavoursome finish which is very lemony with hints of white flowers.  This wine has a bit of volume from being left on its lees – it is medium-bodied – and is beautifully crisp and light. Florian Mollet Sancerre Tradition, a classic Sancerre that is very drinkable.

The winemaker, Florian Mollet, labels himself as an artisan winemaker to emphasise his craftsman-like approach to wine-making. Florian aims to make wines that express the old vines (30+ years old) and the rare flint soils (silex in French) throughout the 17 hectare vineyards. The climatic conditions in this cool climate area allow the Sauvignon Blanc to ripen very slowly and therefore reach its full potential and expression. His focus on terroir put Florian at odds with other producers in the past but now makes him a pioneer that many want to emulate. Each parcel of grapes is kept separate during wine-making in order to ensure that the unique character of each plot is maintained. Florian says “Prior to harvest I visit each of my parcels in order to taste the fruit and carefully select the grapes before they are pressed at cold temperatures here at the domaine. Cold stabulation for 8 days followed by fermentation at controlled temperatures of 16-18°C enhances the fresh and chiselled character of this Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc.” Stabulation is a process used mainly in Provence rosés to maximise aroma extraction; that and the cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks ensure that the fruit-forward nature of the wine is highlighted.