Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2019: best 2021 to 2029.
vintage2 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Enthusiast reviewed 2022201989/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

Aroma: red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, fine spice

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

Joseph Mellot's flagship Sancerre Rouge from limestone-clay parcels. Pure red fruit on silky Pinot Noir with the cool freshness of the central Loire.

What it pairs with

  • Roast guinea fowl
    Cool-climate Pinot acidity refreshes white-meat poultry; savoury herb complements roasting jus.
  • Duck breast with cherry sauce
    Cherry-on-cherry between sauce and wine; silky tannin handles duck fat.
  • Mushroom risotto
    Earthy fungi pick up on the wine's wild-strawberry and savoury notes; high acid cuts through cream.
  • Charcuterie board
    Saucisson, rillettes and pâté with the wine's bright fruit and refreshing acidity.

History

Le Rabault is Joseph Mellot's flagship Sancerre Rouge, sourced from limestone-clay parcels. The cuvée is also bottled as a rosé.

  1. 1995: Le Rabault Sancerre Rouge bottling established

Facts

Producer
Domaine Joseph Mellot · visiting guide
Grapes
Pinot Noir (100%)
Classification
Sancerre AOC
Oak
Aged around 12 months in French oak, around 10 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 30 to 45 at retail
Drinking window
2-10 from vintage
First vintage
1995
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Sancerre Rouge Le Rabault

What does Joseph Mellot Le Rabault taste like?

Red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal and fine spice on the nose; red cherry, redcurrant, silky tannin and savoury herb on the palate. Medium-bodied with medium tannin and high acidity.

When should I drink Le Rabault?

Drink between 2 and 10 years from vintage. The wine is approachable on release; 3 to 5 years in bottle adds tertiary mushroom and forest-floor notes.

What grapes are in Le Rabault?

100 percent Pinot Noir, the only red grape permitted in the Sancerre AOC.

Is Joseph Mellot Le Rabault vegan?

Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

dry high acid medium body medium tannin medium term mood easygoing mood elegant occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with charcuterie pairs with game pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry pinot noir price premium still red value pick vegan

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