2021 Dominique Roger Domaine du Carrou Sancerre, Loire Valley

This beautifully expressive and detailed Sancerre offers up poised aromas of chalk and citrus with a pine needle freshness. The palate is then light weight, but energetic, as it delivers layers of bright citrus flavours that are compact and well defined, supported by zesty acidity through to a slinky finish. Super Summer drinking.

91 points winepilot.com

Dominique Roger Domaine du Carrou Sancerre is a beautifully expressive take on Sauvignon Blanc from one of the Loire Valley’s quietly respected family estates. Domaine du Carrou is based in Bué, a village just outside Sancerre, and the Roger family has been farming vines here for generations. Dominique Roger represents the modern face of the domaine, building on family tradition while sharpening the focus on site, purity and balance.

The vineyards sit on classic Sancerre terroir, a mix of limestone, clay and pockets of silex. These soils are crucial to the style. Limestone brings tension and freshness, clay adds a little mid palate weight, and silex contributes that distinctive smoky, flinty edge that Sancerre lovers crave. The cool Loire climate and long growing season allow Sauvignon Blanc to ripen slowly, preserving aromatics and acidity.

In the glass, Domaine du Carrou Sancerre is bright and precise. Aromas of citrus zest, green apple and white peach are joined by hints of nettle, fresh herbs and a subtle mineral smokiness. The palate is crisp and focused, with lively acidity carrying clean, layered fruit and a saline, chalky finish that feels both refreshing and serious. There is no excess ripeness here, just clarity and finesse.

This is a Sancerre that excels at the table. It is a natural partner for oysters, shellfish and grilled fish, and it is equally at home with goat’s cheese, salads or simple roast chicken. Its balance and restraint make it an excellent aperitif, yet there is enough depth to hold interest over a meal.

While designed to be enjoyed young for its freshness and vibrancy, Domaine du Carrou Sancerre can happily develop for a few years in the cellar, gaining subtle texture and savoury complexity while retaining its bright core.

Dominique Roger Domaine du Carrou Sancerre captures everything that makes great Sancerre so compelling. Precision, minerality and quiet confidence, delivered in a style that is both classic and effortlessly drinkable.