DOMAINE MICHEL GIRARD SANCERRE SILEX
Domaine Michel Girard comprises 12 hectares of vineyards, made up of 30 parcels of vines with an average age of 15 years. Terroir plays an important role in this estate. Michel, Philippe and Benoît Girard's vines are planted on each of Sancerre's three different soil types: Terres Blanches (clay and limestone), Caillottes (chalky limestone) and Silex (flint). The brothers favour judicious blending of the separately-vinified cuvées to create wines with real complexity and balance.
Although the Girards have vines growing in all three of Sancerre's major soil types, this wine is sourced from two specially selected vineyards of Silex (flint) soil called Jeugny. Grapes from old vines were hand-picked and gently pressed, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine was made by Philippe Girard, Michel Girard's son, to show off the dazzling purity and finesse of this special terroir.
If ever there was a wine that tasted of the soil in which it was grown, this is it! Philippe Girard's Silex Sancerre opens with a sensational, energetic, almost crackly nose of gunsmoke, orange oil and earthy, Stoney notes. The full palate is lively and expressive with pronounced minerality and a long, long finish. Fantastique!!
Please decant before serving to release the full potential of this wine. A fantastic match with shellfish or river fish such as trout or zander; or the classic crottins of goats cheese.
