2025 Vincent Pinard Nuance Sancerre, Loire Valley

A fresh and chalky nose, with white flowers and orange peel notes. Supple and velvety on the palate, this remains fresh despite its textural qualities, thanks to a light vein of acidity. There is plenty of phenolic grip here, an indicator of the warm ripeness of the vintage. Nicely balanced overall, and drinking well now. This is a ‘communal’ wine, sourced from several parcels in Bué, the fruit from older vines, pressed and the juice vinified in wooden vat. It was bottled in May 2026. The alcohol is about 14%, says Clément Pinard.

91 points Chris Kissack Wine Doctor June 2026

Brothers Florent and Clément Pinard have made Domaine Vincent Pinard one of the most admired estates in Sancerre. Based in the village of Bué, the family is celebrated for beautifully expressive Sauvignon Blancs that capture the individuality of the region's limestone vineyards. Nuance is a particularly appealing wine in their collection, combining generous fruit with the finesse and mineral freshness that define the domaine's style.

The 2025 draws on the limestone rich slopes around Bué, where Sauvignon Blanc develops fragrance, texture and vibrant natural acidity. Nuance has a little more generosity than a typical youthful Sancerre, while retaining the purity and savoury character that make these wines so compelling.

Pale straw yellow with bright green highlights. White peach, ripe grapefruit and lemon zest mingle with elderflower, fresh fennel and a hint of crushed flint. The palate is supple and beautifully textured, with juicy citrus, delicate stone fruit and a firm chalky edge. Refreshing acidity and subtle herbal notes carry through a long, saline finish.

Try it with grilled prawns and preserved lemon, asparagus and ricotta tart, or Japanese kingfish sashimi with yuzu. Its texture and mineral freshness also make it an excellent match for steamed mussels with fennel and white wine.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033. Lovely for its youthful aromatics, with the freshness and structure to develop further complexity.