Francois Le Saint "Calcaire" Sancerre 2024

Pale straw-yellow in the glass, this polished Sauvignon Blanc offers an inviting bouquet of fragrant lemon blossom, fresh lime, ripe pear and crisp green melon, with subtle hints of tropical fruit. The palate is bright and dry, balancing refreshing citrus acidity with a silky, gently rounded texture from lees aging. Chalky minerality lends focus and complexity, while a delicate saline note carries through a long, elegant finish. Fresh and vibrant yet beautifully layered, this is a refined expression of classic Sancerre.

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the wine comes from a 6.26-hectare plot of 30- to 45-year-old vines rooted in calcareous, chalk-rich soils that contribute to its distinctive mineral character and fuller mouthfeel. The grapes are hand-harvested from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards, with certified practices that avoid synthetic chemical treatments. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel using native yeasts, followed by a brief period of aging on the lees to build texture while preserving the wine’s freshness and aromatic precision. Minimal intervention and restrained sulfur use allow the fruit and limestone terroir to shine.

François le Saint is the label of Domaine Fouassier, one of the Loire Valley’s oldest and most revered nwinegrowing families, with roots in Sancerre dating back to 1749. Now led by tenth-generation brothers Benoît and Paul Fouassier, the estate has embraced organic and biodynamic farming, earning certifications from Ecocert and Biodyvin. The family works with Sancerre’s diverse soils, from chalky limestone to flinty clay, aiming to express the distinctive character of each vineyard site. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking shines through in this elegant, food-friendly Sancerre.