2020 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Petite Moussière Rouge, Loire Valley

Petite Moussière is Mellot’s entry-level Pinot, drawn from younger vines on the Saint-Doulchard marls of La Moussière. Although the name of the wine suggests something light and crunchy, even here there is a lovely plumpness of fruit and vinous depth. Saying that, Alphonse Mellot is aiming for a more open and approachable style here, so this fruit experiences more delicate maceration and shorter aging than for the Moussière proper.
 
The nose is open with bright and fresh red and blue fruits dusted with tilled earth, spices and a touch of smoky reduction. In the Mellot style, it is powerfully built with svelte ripe fruits and some woody spice shaped by layered tannins and bright supportive acidity. Then there is great grip and drive to match up to the mouth-filling flavours: do not be scared to decant this and serve with hearty meat dishes.