2021 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Petite Moussière Rouge, Loire Valley

Biodynamic. Petite Moussière is Mellot’s entry-level Pinot Noir, drawn from younger vines (45 to 55 years old!) on the Saint-Doulchard marls of La Moussière. Although the name of the wine suggests something light and crunchy, there is a lovely plumpness of fruit and vinous depth even here. That said, Alphonse Mellot is aiming for a more open, approachable style here, so this fruit macerates more delicately and ages for a shorter time than the Moussière proper.

The nose is open, with bright, fresh red and black cherry dusted with lavender, earth, spices and a touch of smoky reduction. The long, cool 2021 harvest resulted in a string of successes for this grower’s reds. The result is a super poised red with finessed tannins, radiant acidity and waves of ample, succulent, spiced red berries. A seam of chalky minerality creeps onto the lengthy finish. A Sancerre rouge built for Burgundy lovers.