2017 Charlouise

Brothers Clement and Florent Pinard are the 15th generation (but they wouldn’t stake their lives on it) to run the family domaine in the village of Bué. They’re young and dynamic and obtained biodynamic certification in 2017. The Pinards have created their yeast starter and are restrained in using sulfur. Due to organically farming the vineyard for more than 15 years, they are often one of the first in the village to harvest, and, in recent warm vintages (2018, 2019, 2020), they have achieved harmony when others have struggled. The domaine has an enviable list of the top sites in the appellation including both the Petit and Grand Chemarin vineyards and Le Chêne Marchand (all on caillottes soils), as well as a wealth of older vines; even its entry-level Florès is produced from 35-year-old vines. Balance, harmony and elegance are a common thread that weaves across its range. Large format barrels are employed in varying proportions for all of its cuvées, except Florès, while lees aging builds appetizing texture. One of my go-to Sancerre producers.