Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2025 to 2037.
vintage3 yrs15 yrs17 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2024202293/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: red cherry, violet, fine spice, clove

Palate: red cherry, redcurrant, chalky tannin, savoury herb

Pinard's flagship Sancerre Rouge from limestone-clay terroir in Bué. A brooding nose of pure red cherry fruit with chalky tannins and integrated oak.

What it pairs with

  • Duck confit
    Slow-cooked duck fat meets chalky tannin and savoury herb; red cherry refreshes between bites.
  • Coq au vin
    Burgundian classic with chalky Pinot tannin and red fruit echoes the braising wine.
  • Pâté en croûte
    Charcuterie's saltiness picks up the wine's chalky tannin; fine spice mirrors black peppercorn.
  • Roast guinea fowl with mushroom jus
    Cool-climate Pinot acidity refreshes gamebird; clove and savoury herb shadow the jus.

History

Charlouise sits at the top of Pinard's Sancerre Rouge range. Named for Vincent's grandmother, the cuvée combines old-vine Pinot from limestone-clay plots with sensitive oak ageing.

  1. 2002: First vintage of Charlouise as Pinard's top Pinot Noir bottling

Facts

Producer
Domaine Vincent Pinard · visiting guide
Grapes
Pinot Noir (100%)
Classification
Sancerre AOC
Oak
Aged around 16 months in oak, around 10 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 40 to 60 at retail
Drinking window
3-15 from vintage
First vintage
2002
Biodynamic
Biodynamic Practicing
Organic
ECOCERT
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Sancerre Rouge Charlouise

What does Pinard Charlouise taste like?

Red cherry, violet, fine spice and clove on the nose; red cherry, redcurrant, chalky tannin and savoury herb on the palate. Medium-bodied with medium tannin and high acidity, a long, layered finish.

When should I drink Pinard Charlouise?

Drink between 3 and 15 years from vintage. The 10 percent new oak integrates with 3 to 5 years in bottle and the chalky tannin softens with cellar time.

Where is Charlouise grown?

From limestone-clay terroir on the slopes of Bué in Sancerre, with biodynamic farming since the early 2000s.

Is Pinard Charlouise vegan?

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

Tags

biodynamic dry high acid medium body medium tannin medium term mood elegant mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with charcuterie pairs with game pairs with poultry pairs with red meat pinot noir price premium still red vegan

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