Name: Alphonse Mellot La Moussière
Brand: Alphonse Mellot

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The 2023 Alphonse Mellot La Moussière is the estate's flagship cuvée from a 30+ hectare single south-facing vineyard in Sancerre, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on rare Saint Doulchard marls over Kimmeridgian limestone. Certified biodynamic since 1999, it is hand-harvested and aged 7–8 months on fine lees across a combination of wood, concrete, and stainless steel vessels. With a 500-year family legacy behind it, this wine is considered one of the Loire Valley's benchmark Sauvignon Blancs.

Alphonse Mellot

The Mellot family has been rooted in Sancerre since 1513, with the 19th generation — also named Alphonse Mellot — currently at the helm. The domaine practices certified biodynamic viticulture and is renowned for producing intensely mineral, age-worthy Sancerre from their unique Kimmeridgian limestone terroir.

Blend

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Profile

A rounded, airy wine with pure lemon, nettle, and fresh pineapple characters, finely textured from 8 months on lees. The nose shows citrus blossom, grapefruit, and crushed flint, with a crisp, mineral finish.

Region

Sancerre is an acclaimed appellation in the eastern Loire Valley, famous for its racy, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc grown on continental climate hillsides with Kimmeridgian limestone, Saint Doulchard marls, and flint (silex) soils. It became a global benchmark for the Sauvignon Blanc variety, rising to prominence in bistros and fine dining from the 1970s onward.

Price Context

Approximately $46 USD per 750ml bottle (average retail, ex-tax)

Food Pairings

🦪 Fresh oysters🐟 Grilled sea bass or sole meunière🧀 Creamy goat cheese🐟 Smoked salmon🍄 Girolle mushroom omelette

Critic Scores

90/100 Rebecca Gibb, MW – Vinous

Tasting Notes