Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2021: best 2023 to 2031.
vintage2 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Spectator reviewed 2023202192/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: lemon, yellow apple, wet stone, white flower

Palate: citrus, chalky mineral, stone fruit, saline texture

Unfiltered, wild-yeast cuvée from 2 hectares of old-vine organic Sauvignon on pure limestone in Champtin and Bué. Pure expression of Caillottes terroir.

What it pairs with

  • Coquilles Saint-Jacques
    Scallop sweetness meets chalky mineral lift; the wine's saline texture echoes the shellfish.
  • Steamed mussels
    Saline mineral edge and shellfish broth lock together; chalk lifts cream-shallot sauce.
  • Goat cheese soufflé
    Chèvre intensity and Sauvignon's chalky drive align; lifted aromatics handle the eggy weight.
  • Sea bass with fennel
    Anise and fennel bridge to Sauvignon's herbal lift; saline texture handles the firm fish.

History

Sauvage is Jolivet's top cuvée, made from 2 hectares of organically grown old vines on pure limestone in Champtin and Bué. Wild yeasts and unfiltered bottling express the terroir directly.

  1. 2008: First vintage of Sauvage as an unfiltered, wild-yeast cuvée

Facts

Producer
Maison Pascal Jolivet · visiting guide
Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Classification
Sancerre AOC
Oak
Vinified with wild yeasts in stainless steel; aged on lees, no oak, unfiltered
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 35 to 55 at retail
Drinking window
2-10 from vintage
First vintage
2008
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Sancerre Sauvage

What does Jolivet Sauvage taste like?

Lemon, yellow apple, wet stone and white flower on the nose; citrus, chalky mineral, stone fruit and saline texture on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, chalky finish.

When should I drink Jolivet Sauvage?

Drink between 2 and 10 years from vintage. The wild-yeast vinification gives the wine textural depth that builds with 3 to 5 years in bottle.

Where is Sauvage grown?

On 2 hectares of organic old vines planted on pure limestone in the villages of Champtin and Bué, in Sancerre.

Is Jolivet Sauvage vegan?

Yes. The cuvée is unfiltered and produced without animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

dry high acid medium body medium term mood elegant mood funky mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with white fish price premium sauvignon blanc still white vegan

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