2022 SANCERRE, Jean-Paul Balland. Loire Valley

Sancerre remains the most famous appellation in France for Sauvignon Blanc, and holds both its reputation and sales despite the rise of New Zealand and many other cool climate new world offerings.
The key here is the chalky soil (similar to Chablis), the cool but sunny climate and a heritage of doing a great job for many decades. The only problem is that prices from many producers is now way over the top (over £30 is common).

UK agent Thorman Hunt: “Jean-Paul Balland has handed over the running of the domaine to his two daughters, Elise and Isabelle. Isabelle’s husband Julien joined the Domaine in 2017. Burgundy-trained oenologist Isabelle makes the wines, and Elise runs an impressively efficient office. They have some 20 hectares with fine plots on Le Grand Chemarin and Le Chêne Marchand. New impressive cellars were completed just in time for the 2015 vintage and the wines are even better! The wines of Bué are full and rich in style, the Balland wines are a classic example from this village.”

Rich and textured Sauvignon Blanc; very different to NZ styles, and all the better for that.