Sancerre AOC, Joseph Mellot, La Chatellenie

White Wine
Written By Grand Cru & Etiquette

🧐 Quick Verdict – Why the 2023 Joseph  Mellot “La Chatellenie” Sancerre AOC Belongs in Your Glass

We tasted the newly released 2023 Joseph Mellot “La Chatellenie” Sancerre AOC, and it’s a textbook reminder of why Sancerre ranks among the Loire’s icons. Crafted from 100 % Sauvignon Blanc, this cuvée delivers racy freshness, laser‑cut minerality, and a spectrum of citrus‑driven aromas that make it both irresistibly drinkable now and compelling for short‑term cellaring. If you crave a white wine that fuses elegance with verve, this bottle should be on your radar.

What Is Sancerre AOC?

Perched on Kimmeridgian and flinty slopes along the upper Loire, Sancerre AOC is famed for Sauvignon Blanc that marries zesty fruit with a distinct, smoky minerality. Hallmarks of the appellation:

  • Vibrant acidity that keeps every sip mouth‑watering

  • Pronounced minerality (think wet stone and gunflint)

  • Aromatic purity of citrus, white flowers, and subtle herbs

🍇 About Domaine Joseph Mellot

Founded in 1530, Joseph Mellot is the only historic Sancerre estate still managed by its founding family. Their philosophy rests on:

  • Five centuries of savoir‑faire

  • Sustainable, low‑impact viticulture (HVE & ISO 14001 certified)

  • Precision winemaking to showcase terroir over technique

“La Chatellenie,” sourced from flinty silex soils near Sancerre’s hilltop town, is the estate’s flagship for pure, mineral‑driven style.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Pale yellow with green highlights; bright and crystalline

  • Nose: Lively aromas of citrus (lime, grapefruit), yellow fruit, white flowers, and delicate herbal and mineral nuances

  • Palate: Zesty and fresh on the attack, with vibrant acidity and a refined texture. The finish is clean, citrusy, and mineral-driven.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Temperature

Here’s what to pair it with:

  • Seafood (oysters, grilled fish, shrimp)

  • Goat cheese (especially Crottin de Chavignol)

  • Fresh salads or poultry with lemon-based dressings

  • Or enjoy on its own as a crisp aperitif

Serving Tip: Serve chilled, between 8°C and 10°C (46°F - 50°F), to highlight its freshness and aromatic purity.

❤️ Why We Love It (And Why You Might Too)

What sets this wine apart?

  • Authenticity: A true ambassador of Loire Sauvignon Blanc

  • Balance: Precision acidity meets subtle roundness

  • Versatility: Pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of foods

  • Pedigree: From a family estate with nearly 500 years of history

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The 2023 La Chatellenie Sancerre from Joseph Mellot is a textbook Sancerre—bright, mineral, and polished. Whether you’re new to the region or a seasoned fan, this bottle delivers classic appeal with confident flair.

Recommended for:

  • Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts

  • Fans of mineral-driven, high-acid whites

  • Anyone seeking a sophisticated yet accessible Loire Valley experience

 

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Bottle of wine sancerre Joseph Mellot La Chatellenie

Joseph Mellot, La Chatellenie, Sancerre AOC Details:

  • Type of Wine: White Wine

  • Vintage: 2023

  • Alcohol Content: 13% Vol

  • Retail Price in France: €21.90

  • Region: Loire Valley Wine Region

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