Domaine Gerard Fiou ‘Silex’ Sancerre AOC 2018/2019

Domaine Gerard Fiou is a boutique producer located within the wine appellation area of Sancerre, just over nine hectare planted, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The vineyard is merely hundreds meters away from the Loire river.

Sancerre was amongst the earliest AOC listed by France in 1936. Initially only white wine was allowed, then 1959, Sancerre Rouge was approved for production. The appellation currently has nearly three thousand hectares under vines, the largest in Central Loire, which also makes it the most famous world-wide compare to neighbour appellations like Menetou-Salon AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC.

The appellation is also for the mixed soil composition under vines. The flint represents 20% of the terroirs of Sancerre, alongside the “terres blanches” (40%) and the “caillottes” (40%). It is therefore the rarest and most characteristic terroir of the appellation which extends over 14 communes along the left bank of the Loire. Domaine Gérard Fiou has developed an expertise in working with this demanding terroir which produces lively wines with a characteristic minerality.

Flint is locally known as “Silex”, which is displayed on this wine’s label.

The Sancerre Blanc made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc had been vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, this wine is aged on its fine fermentation lees, which are regularly put back into suspension by stirring for over 6 months. The wine has aromas of gunflint and a spicy bouquet, powerful in fruit and body, reminiscent of Sauvignon flowers and vine sap. With an exemplary balance, finesse and harmonious expression, it develops all its elegance as it matures in bottle.