In the glass
Aroma: lemon zest, honeysuckle, white peach, chalk
Palate: citrus, stony mineral, saline finish, creamy lees
Single-vineyard Sancerre from the historic Le Chêne Marchand lieu-dit in Bué. Crystalline citrus and stony mineral on chalky Caillottes terroir.
What it pairs with
-
Sole meunière
Buttery white fish meets the wine's chalk minerality and creamy lees. -
Lobster bisque
Rich shellfish soup carries the wine's textural weight; saline finish refreshes. -
Aged Selles-sur-Cher
Loire goat cheese with citrus and chalky structure; the wine's saline finish picks up the rind ash. -
Asparagus risotto
Spring vegetable and saline Sauvignon; arborio richness handles the wine's body.
History
Le Chêne Marchand is one of Sancerre's most historic single-vineyards, a south-facing parcel on chalky Caillottes in Bué. Jolivet's bottling expresses the AOC at its most crystalline.
- 1990 — First Le Chêne Marchand vintage under the Jolivet label
Facts
- Producer
- Maison Pascal Jolivet
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Sancerre AOC
- Oak
- Vinified in stainless steel and old foudre; aged on lees, no new oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 40 to 65 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Decanter 92 (2021 vintage, reviewed 2023)
Frequently asked about Sancerre Le Chêne Marchand
What does Jolivet Le Chêne Marchand taste like?
Lemon zest, honeysuckle, white peach and chalk on the nose; citrus, stony mineral, saline finish and creamy lees on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long mineral finish.
When should I drink Le Chêne Marchand?
Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage. The Caillottes chalk gives the wine ageing potential; mature bottles develop honey and stone-fruit complexity.
Where is Le Chêne Marchand grown?
A south-facing parcel on chalky Caillottes terroir in Bué, one of Sancerre's most prestigious historic lieux-dits.
Is Le Chêne Marchand vegan?
Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents.