2019 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Les Romains, Loire Valley

Biodynamic. One of a handful of Mellot cuvées from outside La Moussière, the lieu-dit of Les Romains is named for the Roman road that led down to the Loire River crossing and lies almost directly south of the town, over the fault line marking a vein of flint. While these flint-dominated soils may suggest a strong resemblance to the nearby terroir in Pouilly-Fumé, the vines don’t have to dig deep before hitting pure limestone. The vineyard covers 1.9 hectares and is planted to a density of 9,000 vines per hectare. Vacheron and Gitton Père also tend vines in this great vineyard, which is home to a number of biodynamic domaines. In general terms, Les Romains provides racier acidity and more lime and citrus than the Mellot cuvées from La Moussière.
 
Like all Mellot’s fruit, the grapes were hand-picked. Fermentation took place in 13-hectolitre tronconique casks and the wine was aged on fine lees for 12 months. From a super-charged vintage, expect the chiselled density and length of flavour not unlike a coiled, high-ranking Burgundy. Don’t hesitate to leave it in the cellar for a few years—it will only become more complex.