Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2021 to 2027.
vintage1 yrs7 yrs9 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Enthusiast reviewed 2022202089/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

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.

  1. 1990: Flagship La Chatellenie bottling established

Facts

Producer
Domaine Joseph Mellot · visiting guide
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)

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.

Tags

dry high acid medium body medium term mood easygoing mood refreshing occasion aperitivo occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with sushi pairs with white fish price trade up sauvignon blanc still white value pick vegan

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