Pure Finesse & Elegance in a Bottle, Francois Le Saint Sancerre Silex 2018

I have to admit, I don’t drink a lot of Sauvignon Blanc. If I do, they usually come from the Loire Valley, Northern Italy or Slovenia…and even then, those wines are not what I reach for on a regular basis. So when one captures me as this one did, I feel compelled to buy it, write about it and most certainly drink it.

This wine is made by the Fouassier family, one of the oldest wine growing families and largest land holders in Sancerre. The 10th generation of the family is currently as the helm, with cousins Benoit and Paul continuing the work of their fathers in converting to organic and biodynamic practices. François Le Saint is a second label used by the Fouassier family for wines specifically made from their certified organic, biodynamically-farmed vineyards which feature the diverse soils of Sancerre. After more than 100 years farming these plots, the family knows how to grow and vinify their grapes in order to express the unique mineral composition of each plot. Extremely complex soils vary from vineyard to vineyard, some with a high concentration of limestone and deep layers of calcareous clay or Kimmeridgian marl, and some flinty with stones and layers of compacted chalk that contribute to the famous minerality found in the white wines from the region.

Made with native yeasts, extended lees contact, aged in tank for one year, and bottled with minimal sulfur - this lengthy process produces wines that showcase the unique qualities of Sancerre and the dedication of the Fouassier family. Organic viticulture over limestone soils, no use of oak and limited yields results in a pure, mineral expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

The Francois Le Saint Sancerre Silex 2018 made from 25 year old vines grown in the famed Silex (flint) soils of the region. The aromatics are compelling – more fruit on the nose than most but delicate and pure with pear, green apple, citrus zest enveloped by the telltale wet stone. Great texture and structure in the mouth, it finishes with taut, bright acidity and classic Sancerre minerality. This quality for under $30 is a steal…limited quantity available.