Domaine des Brosses, Sancerre
Vintage: 2024
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | BR401B24 | 6 x 75 | Double Disk | Available |
Producer
Established in 1875, Domaine des Brosses lies 10 kilometres south of Sancerre and was modernised by the Girard family, who took over the winery, and its 11 hectares of vineyards, in 1973. Nicolas Girard, who now runs the estate, travelled extensively in search of the world's finest Sauvignon Blancs and the best techniques for tending these vines. He has applied this knowledge to Domaine des Brosses’ vineyards on the hillsides around the village of Veaugues. These vines are particularly prized for their naturally well-draining soils and southern exposure.
In total, there are six parcels of vines, each imparting slightly different nuances to the finished wine, which is aged on its fine lees for several months to add weight to the palate. The wine has aromas of white flowers, pear and apricots, coupled with a racy acidity typical of Sancerre.
Nicolas also crafts an exceptional Quincy from vineyards near Brinay, planted on sandy gravel soils, as well as a Menetou-Salon from vineyards near Humbligny and Morogues, planted on ‘terres blanches’ clay soils. Both wines are fermented at cool temperatures to preserve Sauvignon Blanc's bright aromatics, before being aged for four to six months on their lees, resulting in a rich, creamy texture on the palate.
Vineyards
The Girard family have six different parcels of Sauvignon Blanc vines across the Sancerre appellation, near the towns of Veaugues and Montigny. The hillside vineyards are located on classic clay and chalk soils, giving the grippy, mineral style expected of true Sancerre. The vines are aged between 15 and 45 years old. Domaine des Brosses has used a machine harvester to collect the grapes since 1989. This is to ensure the Sauvignon Blanc is brought to the winery in the cool night-time temperatures, thus retaining the classic citrus and gooseberry aromas and flavours of Sancerre.
Vintage
The 2024 vintage got off to one of the earliest starts ever, with temperatures in February and March 1.5˚C above average. This led to an early budburst, causing worries over potential frost, but the relatively warm spring meant there were few frost-fighting nights. June and July saw the highest recorded rainfall in the past 10 years, but it did not come all at once. Every few days, just as things were beginning to look up, it would rain again. August provided a break in the wet weather, but mildew had long established itself and losses were devastating.
Vinification
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were pressed before undergoing fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, to avoid oxidation and to preserve the fresh aromatics. The wine remained on its fine lees for a few months to add weight to the palate and roundness to the finish.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Pale lemon in colour, this wine displays aromas of ripe citrus and white flowers, paired with subtle herbaceous notes. Its vibrant and balanced palate reveals the minerality and freshness of an excellent Sancerre.
Alcohol (ABV)
12.5%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domaine des Brosses | Quincy | BR411 | W | ||
| Menetou-Salon | BR412 | W |