2024 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc Organic 375ml Half Bottle, Loire Valley

The Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc is one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic Sauvignon Blancs, praised for its purity, precision and unmistakable sense of place. Pascal Jolivet founded his domaine in 1987 and quickly became one of Sancerre’s leading figures, with a philosophy centred on minimal intervention and allowing terroir to speak clearly. His vineyards, certified organic, are spread across three distinct soil types — limestone (caillottes), clay-limestone (terres blanches), and flint (silex) — each bringing a different dimension to the wine: freshness, body and minerality. The final cuvée is a careful blend of all three, making it a benchmark expression of Sancerre.

In the glass, it shows pale lemon with green reflections. The nose is intensely aromatic yet refined, offering citrus zest, green apple, gooseberry and white flowers layered over a backbone of wet stone and smoky flint. On the palate it is crisp, vibrant and mineral-driven, with flavours of lime, grapefruit and pear balanced by chalky texture and saline length. The finish is long, clean and mouth-watering, a classic Loire expression of Sauvignon Blanc at its purest.

Food pairings are wide-ranging thanks to its freshness and precision. It’s a natural with Loire Valley goat’s cheese like Crottin de Chavignol, oysters, grilled white fish, prawns with lemon butter, or a fresh green salad with citrus dressing. Its raciness also makes it perfect for sushi, sashimi or lightly spiced Asian cuisine. While delicious young, it has 5 to 7 years of cellaring potential, gaining roundness and subtle honeyed notes with age.

Critics and sommeliers consistently rate Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc as one of the most reliable and authentic Sancerres available. Its precision and energy make it a favourite on fine dining wine lists worldwide, and it is often described as offering exceptional value for its pedigree.