From: Sancerre, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: This presents a light salmon hue. On the nose is white peach, lime, currant, and subtle floral nuances. On the palate, it offers a vibrant medley of peach, grapefruit, apricot, and mandarin, with underlying notes of gooseberry and watermelon. The wine is fresh and full of fruit that transitions into flavors of strawberry and citrus. Its lively acidity provides a crisp balance, leading to a long, satisfying finish that lingers.
Pairing: Its fresh, fruit-forward profile makes it a perfect match for seafood like grilled prawns or seared scallops, while its crisp acidity complements the richness of smoked salmon, creamy goat cheese, and roasted chicken with lemon and herbs. For a lighter option, try it with a fresh summer salad, sushi. The wine’s subtle citrus and floral notes also pair beautifully with Asian and oriental cuisine, such as Thai green curry, Vietnamese spring rolls, or a spicy tuna poke bowl.
Honey Mustard Salmon Rillettes
By Dorie Greenspan
About. In the village of Bué, just a stone's throw from Sancerre lies Domaine La Croix St.- Laurent. The Cirotte family, who have been tending these lands for generations, now carry the torch with respect for their heritage and an eye toward the future. The estate, dating back to the early 19th century, has been lovingly maintained and expanded over the years, and today it thrives under the stewardship of Joël and Sylvie Cirotte. They are now passing down their knowledge to their children, Fabien and Marie, ensuring that the family legacy will continue for years.
The Cirotte domaine spans 10.80 hectares of prime vineyard land, perched on the medium-to-high slopes of the region’s rolling hills. These vineyards, which include vines aged between 35 and 70 years, are dedicated to producing exceptional wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes. The terroir here is a perfect blend of clay- limestone and flint, creating wines that are consistent in quality and deeply expressive of their unique origins.
The philosophy of the Cirotte family is one of harmony with nature. Since 1996, they have taken significant steps to reduce synthetic treatments in their vineyards, embracing a more sustainable approach. Adopting the Terra Vitis certification in 2013 was a natural progression for a family committed to respecting the environment and producing authentic and healthy wines. This dedication is evident in their careful
management of the vineyards, where chemical fertilizers have been replaced with natural alternatives, and the soil is meticulously worked to encourage the growth of healthy vines.
The winemaking process at the Cirotte estate seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Since 2018, the family has embraced a low-sulfur approach, adding only minimal amounts after alcoholic fermentation and just before bottling. This careful attention to detail ensures that the wines retain their purity and express the true character of the terroir.
Wine Notes. From 30-year-old vines planted on 2.5 hectares of limestone and flint soils at 150 meters in the Loire Valley is 100% Pinot Noir. The southeast-facing vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure, enhancing the grape's ripening process. Hand-harvested in early September, the grapes are sorted and directly pressed. The wine undergoes a 10-day fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by four months of aging on the lees, which adds complexity and depth. Before bottling, the wine is carefully filtered to maintain its clarity and vibrant character.
