Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2021: best 2024 to 2033.
vintage3 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Decanter reviewed 2023202192/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

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.

  1. 1990: First Le Chêne Marchand vintage under the Jolivet label

Facts

Producer
Maison Pascal Jolivet · visiting guide
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)

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.

Tags

dry high acid medium body medium term mood elegant mood refreshing occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old world organic pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with vegetable forward pairs with white fish price premium sauvignon blanc single vineyard still white vegan

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