2022 J. de Villebois Sancerre Rouge, Loire Valley

From select Pinot Noir vineyards in the Loire Valley, J. de Villebois Sancerre Rouge delivers a playful yet quietly serious expression of red Sancerre that has been turning heads among collectors looking for something just a little different. The Villebois project was founded by Joost de Villebois with a clear mission to champion Loire Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir through a modern, precision driven lens. With careful vineyard sourcing and gentle extraction, the wine captures both the delicacy and the subtle savoury tension that make Sancerre Rouge such a cult insider favourite.

A bright translucent ruby glimmers in the glass with irresistible charm. Aromas lift immediately with wild strawberry, red cherry and cranberry layered with rose petal, crushed herbs and a whisper of forest floor. There is an energetic, almost cheeky perfume here that feels vibrant and effortlessly cool.

The palate is silky and finely tuned, delivering juicy red berry fruit framed by ultra fine tannins and fresh natural acidity. Notes of pomegranate, subtle spice and mineral detail build through the mid palate, leading to a long, lifted finish that feels graceful, crunchy and dangerously drinkable. Best enjoyed over the next five to eight years while its vivid fruit and tension remain centre stage.

Tuna crudo with blood orange and fennel, duck rillettes spread onto warm toast, or a late night plate of truffle fries disappearing far too quickly. LCD Soundsystem Sound of Silver or something breezy and confident like Phoenix drifting through the room, the wine quietly creating that feeling of fun envy when someone at the table realises they did not order the better bottle.