Profile

Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oakoak aged

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2019: best 2024 to 2039.

vintage5 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2022201994/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: dark cherry, violet, fine spice, graphite

Palate: red cherry, blueberry, savoury herb, silky tannin

Top-of-La-Moussière Pinot Noir from Buzançais limestone. Mellot's most Burgundian-styled red, with the structure to rival Génération XIX in cellaring capacity.

What it pairs with

  • Roast duck breast Medium tannin and high acidity cut duck-fat richness; the wine's spice register echoes a five-spice rub.More wines for duck breast →
  • Pheasant with braised cabbage Cool-climate Pinot meets autumn gamebird; savoury-herb register finds braised cabbage.More wines for game →
  • Steak frites Bistro classic with silky tannin and bright acidity; graphite finish handles a peppercorn sauce.More wines for steak →
  • Aged Crottin de Chavignol Goat cheese with red Sancerre is a regional tradition; the wine's spice register lifts cheese tang.More wines for goat cheese →

With cheese

Crottin de Chavignol Our pick Pinot Noir from Sancerre or neighbouring Menetou-Salon is medium-bodied with high acidity. Its red-cherry or redcurrant fruit sits against the firm, chalky paste of a young or half-aged crottin without overpowering it.

History

En Grands Champs comes from limestone at the top of the La Moussière domain. Created as the rouge counterpoint to Génération XIX, it shows that Sancerre Pinot Noir can age and structure like Burgundy.

  1. 2002First vintage of En Grands Champs released as a Pinot Noir flagship

Facts

Producer
Alphonse Mellot · visiting guide
Grapes
Pinot Noir (100%)
Classification
Sancerre AOC
Oak
Aged around 18 months in 600-litre demi-muids, around 20 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 60 to 100 at retail
Drinking window
5-20 from vintage
First vintage
2002
Biodynamic
Biodyvin Certified
Organic
ECOCERT
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Sancerre En Grands Champs

What does Mellot En Grands Champs taste like?

Dark cherry, violet, fine spice and graphite on the nose; red cherry, blueberry, savoury herb and silky tannin on the palate. Medium-bodied with medium tannin and high acidity, a long, layered finish.

When should I drink En Grands Champs?

Drink between 5 and 20 years from vintage. The Buzançais limestone gives the wine structure for long cellaring; younger vintages benefit from 60 minutes of decanting.

Where is En Grands Champs grown?

On Buzançais limestone at the top of the La Moussière domain, biodynamically farmed since 2002.

Is Mellot En Grands Champs vegan?

Yes. The estate is Demeter-certified biodynamic and uses no animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

biodynamic cellar worthy dry high acid medium body medium tannin mood contemplative mood elegant occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with poultry pairs with red meat pinot noir price premium single vineyard still red vegan

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