In the glass
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.
- 1995 — Le Rabault Sancerre Rouge bottling established
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Joseph Mellot
- 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)
Scores
- Wine Enthusiast 89 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
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.