Day Trip to the Sancerre and Pouilly Vineyards
In a fun and educational way, travel this part of the Loire Valley, which could well be the cradle of Sauvignon in France... Why has this grape earned its reputation t...
Profile
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2025 to 2037.
vintage3 yrs15 yrs17 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Vinous reviewed 2024 | 2022 | 93/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
In the glass
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.More wines for duck and goose →
- Coq au vin Burgundian classic with chalky Pinot tannin and red fruit echoes the braising wine.More wines for chicken and white meat →
- Pâté en croûte Charcuterie's saltiness picks up the wine's chalky tannin; fine spice mirrors black peppercorn.More wines for charcuterie and cured meats →
- Roast guinea fowl with mushroom jus Cool-climate Pinot acidity refreshes gamebird; clove and savoury herb shadow the jus.More wines for mushrooms and truffles →
With cheese
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.
- 2002First 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
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