In the glass
Aroma: grapefruit, elderflower, white peach, chalk
Palate: citrus zest, saline mineral, white flower, lees creaminess
Mellot's flagship Sancerre cuvée from a single 34-hectare vineyard south of the village. Biodynamic Saint-Doulchard marl Sauvignon with chalk minerality and lees texture.
What it pairs with
-
Sole meunière
Buttery white fish meets the wine's lees creaminess and chalky acidity. -
Asparagus risotto
Sauvignon's herbal lift bridges asparagus bitterness; saline mineral cuts arborio richness. -
Crottin de Chavignol
The textbook Sancerre and Chavignol cheese pairing locks lactic-saline registers together. -
Thai green papaya salad
Citrus zest and grapefruit handle fish sauce and chili; saline mineral refreshes between bites.
History
La Moussière is a single 34-hectare vineyard owned by the Mellot family for several generations. The 19th-generation Alphonse Mellot has farmed it biodynamically since the early 2000s.
- 1985 — Single-vineyard La Moussière bottling established as the flagship Sancerre
- 2002 — Domaine converted fully to organic and biodynamic farming under Ecocert and Demeter
Facts
- Producer
- Alphonse Mellot
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Sancerre AOC
- Oak
- Fermented and aged in 900-litre truncated vats and tank, no new oak, around 9 months on lees
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 25 to 35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1980
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- ECOCERT
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Spectator 91 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2024)
Frequently asked about Sancerre La Moussière
What does Mellot La Moussière taste like?
Grapefruit, elderflower, white peach and chalk on the nose; citrus zest, saline mineral, white flower and lees creaminess on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, chalky finish.
When should I drink Mellot La Moussière?
Drink between 1 and 8 years from vintage. The biodynamic farming and 900-litre vat ageing give the wine more texture than the typical Sancerre and reward a brief 15 minute decant.
Where is La Moussière grown?
A single 34-hectare south-facing vineyard south of Sancerre village, on Saint-Doulchard marl, owned by the Mellot family for several generations.
Is Mellot La Moussière vegan?
Yes. The estate is Demeter-certified biodynamic and uses no animal-derived fining agents.