Masson-Blondelet Sancerre Blanc “Thauvenay”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Thauvenay is a 2-hectare plot with complex chalky-Portlandian-flinty soil and southeast exposure.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: Immediate pressing to avoid skin contact or oxidation. Super gentle handling, fermentation in stainless, long time on lees, no malolactic.
Tasting Notes: “Masson-Blondelet better known for its Pouilly-Fume, also has vines in Sancerre in the village of Thauvenay. This brightly lit wine, grown on flint soil, is soft, fruity and ripe with green plum and citrus flavors that are lifted by minerality. – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
PRESS
2017- 90 Wine Enthusiast
2021 – 92 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Michelle and Jean-Michel Masson created Domaine Masson-Blondelet after marrying one another in 1975. Both came from Loire winegrowing families and brought with them cru holdings in Pouilly Fume and Sancerre totaling 21 hectares.
Three basic soil types exist in Pouilly-Fume – Kimmeridgian Marl, Flint, and Hard Limestone. Because each of the Domain’s vineyards sit on one of these soil types, Masson-Blondelet vinifies and bottles each vineyard separately (Les Angelots, Villa Paulis, and Les Pierres de Pierre for Pouilly Fume and Thauvenay for Sancerre).
The seventh generation is now involved – Son Pierre-Francois manages the Domaine’s vineyard work (organic philosophy), and daughter Melanie manages company sales and assists with winemaking (natural philosophy). Total production is small, about 120,000 bottles per year.