In the glass
Aroma: grapefruit, white flower, chalk, green apple
Palate: citrus, saline mineral, pear, wet stone
Joseph Mellot's flagship Sancerre Blanc from Caillottes and terres blanches parcels. Cool, citrus-driven Sauvignon with chalky lift.
What it pairs with
-
Sushi
Tense acidity and saline mineral edge handle delicate raw fish without overpowering soy. -
Oysters with lemon
Saline mineral edge and shellfish brine align; the wine's citrus replaces a lemon wedge. -
Goat cheese salad
Chèvre tang meets the wine's chalky lift; lifted aromatics handle the salad dressing. -
Pike-perch with beurre blanc
Loire freshwater fish in butter sauce meets a Sancerre with citrus drive and saline lift.
History
Joseph Mellot is a family négociant with eight generations of Loire winemaking. La Chatellenie has been the flagship Sancerre since the 1990s, sourced from across Caillottes and terres blanches parcels.
- 1990 — Flagship La Chatellenie bottling established
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Joseph Mellot
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Sancerre AOC
- Oak
- Vinified in stainless steel; aged on fine lees, no oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 25 to 40 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-7 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Enthusiast 89 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Sancerre La Chatellenie
What does Joseph Mellot La Chatellenie taste like?
Grapefruit, white flower, chalk and green apple on the nose; citrus, saline mineral, pear and wet stone on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a medium chalky finish.
When should I drink Joseph Mellot La Chatellenie?
Drink between 1 and 7 years from vintage. The wine is built for early drinking on its citrus drive and chalky lift; light chill (8 to 10°C) is ideal.
Where is La Chatellenie grown?
Across Caillottes and terres blanches parcels in the Sancerre AOC, sourced for a balanced flagship village expression.
Is Joseph Mellot La Chatellenie vegan?
Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents.