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
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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.
- 2002 — First vintage of Charlouise as Pinard's top Pinot Noir bottling
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Vincent Pinard
- 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)
Scores
- Vinous 93 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2024)
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.