Alphonse Mellot : Les Pénitents Pinot Noir 2019

A lively and silky red wine from the IGP Côtes de la Charité

The estate

At the beginning of the 19th century, Alphonse Mellot set up his family home in Sancerre, which has since passed down father to son.

Already, from the 16th century, local archives mention the Mellot family as well-known winegrowers and merchants. According to the story, King Louis XIV, in 1698, chose César Mellot as his wine adviser.

The eldest son in each generation takes the founder’s name. This is how, today, Alphonse Mellot father and son keep this wine-growing tradition going and produce great quality Sancerre wines from a vineyard of more than 30 hectares on one piece of land.

The vineyard

Les Pénitents Pinot Noir 2019 is an IGP Côtes de la Charité wine that stems from a plot of 5 hectares of vines planted in 1990 on limestone soils. The vineyard is run by biological and biodynamic agriculture.

The wine

This Loire wine took the name Les Pénitents from the pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago, a path of which goes across the vineyard.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvests done by hand are followed by a meticulous double selection. Fermentation takes place in conical vats, with a delicate vertical pressing. Half the ageing takes place in wooden vats and half in 600 litre casks over a period of 10 months.

Blend

Pinot Noir (100%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Les Pénitents Pinot Noir 2019 from Alphonse Mellot  

Tasting

Colour
The wine is an intense crimson colour.

Nose
The nose reveals elegant notes of red fruits.

Palate
The lively and silky palate draws out to a fine and refreshing finish.

Food and wine pairings

This wine goes perfectly with marinated meats, duck breast or veal cooked with tomatoes.