In the glass
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. -
Pheasant with braised cabbage
Cool-climate Pinot meets autumn gamebird; savoury-herb register finds braised cabbage. -
Steak frites
Bistro classic with silky tannin and bright acidity; graphite finish handles a peppercorn sauce. -
Aged Crottin de Chavignol
Goat cheese with red Sancerre is a regional tradition; the wine's spice register lifts cheese tang.
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.
- 2002 — First vintage of En Grands Champs released as a Pinot Noir flagship
Facts
- Producer
- Alphonse Mellot
- 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
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- ECOCERT
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 94 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
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.