Domaine Emile Balland 'La Louisonne' Sancerre Rouge 2023

Deliciously juicy, whilst showing the savoury side of the Loire. Full of summer berries and black cherry, with a herbal, leafy edge. The palate is supple and fruity, with a nice lifting acidity and long, luxurious finish. To be opened at the table, with grilled red meats or peppered cold meats. Guaranteed deliciousness also in its simple form, as an aperitif.

This tiny 6.5 hectare domaine in the Loire was started by Emile Balland in 1999. The Ballands have been making wines in the Loire since 1650. Emile has just one hectare of Sancerre and this cuvée comes from the steep, south facing slopes of the Amigny area of Sancerre.  His philosophy is to intefere as little as possible in the vineyard and let the vines express their true terroir. Since 2019 he has been using the services of ‘Viking’, a horse to plough parts of his vineyards.