Les Colinettes

Les Collinettes 2022

History of the Property: The history of Joseph Mellot, the renowned Sancerre producer, is a testament to generations of passionate winemaking. Founded in 1513, the Mellot family's legacy in the Loire Valley spans more than 500 years, making them one of the oldest wine-producing families in France. Their unwavering dedication to the land and their pioneering spirit have shaped the Sancerre appellation into what it is today.

Joseph Mellot is a wine producer based in the central Loire region of Sancerre boasting a portfolio of labels and domaines that cover the wider area, including Pouilly-Fumé and Menetou-Salon. The estate was established by the eponymous Joseph Mellot in 1969, although the Mellot name in local winemaking can trace its history back to the 16th Century.

Indeed, since 1513 (when Pierre-Etienne Mellot established his domaine) the Mellot family has become a leading winemaking dynasty in the Loire Valley. César Mellot even acted as a wine advisor to the Sun King, King Louis XIV, in the late 17th and early 18th Centuries.

By the 1920s, Alphonse Mellot won several wine medals and became the first Sancerre winemaker to showcase his wines at the Foire de Paris, cementing the family's winemaking reputation. Come 1969, however, an inheritance split between brothers Joseph and Edmond Mellot saw the establishment of two distinct estates (the latter becoming Alphonse Mellot - Domaine de la Moussière).

Under the management of Catherine Corbeau Mellot, Joseph Mellot has gradually expanded from its original vineyards in Sancerre into appellations like Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, Reuilly, Côteaux du Giennois and Bourgueil. Today, Joseph Mellot produces predominantly Sauvignon Blanc wines from 100 hectares of central Loire Valley vineyards.

The estate portfolio encompasses a number of domaines:

• Domaine Jean-Michel Sorbe – situated in the neighboring appellations of Quincy and Reuilly, this estate was taken over by Joseph Mellot in 1999 following several years of winemaking collaboration;
• Domaine des Émois – a Joseph Mellot label covering two organically certified wines – a white and red Sancerre;
• Domaine des Mariniers – a single-wine estate based in Pouilly-Fumé;
• Domaine Pierre Duret – a Quincy-based winery acquired by Mellot in 1995;
• Domaine Geoffrenet Morval – based in Châteaumeillant, some 70km (43 miles) south of Reuilly.

Sauvignon Blanc is by far the most predominant grape variety found in the estate's vineyards, although there are also plantings of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Chasselas and Pinot Gris. Vinification methods are determined by the terroir, vineyard, and grape variety, with each plot harvested and vinified separately.

For the white wines, the grapes are typically destemmed and then pressed, but grapes from the top vineyards are first macerated for a period before the pressing process. Fermentation is carried out under temperature-controlled conditions for between 10 to 15 days and the wines are then aged in contact with the lees before bottling.

The red wine vinification process begins with a 24-hour maceration of the whole grapes, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation for 8-10 days. The wines are then pressed and placed in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks to age in winter before they are bottled after a light fining in the spring.

All their estates are certified as ‘High Environmental Value’ (HVE). It is a voluntary approach, built around 4 major environmental aspects: biodiversity protection, phytosanitary strategy, fertilization management, and water resources management.

Terroir and Climate: Les Collinettes, part of Joseph Mellot's vineyards, is blessed with a terroir characterized by Kimmeridgian limestone, which imparts a unique mineral edge to the wines. The climate in this region is cooler due to its proximity to the Loire River, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop vibrant acidity and elegant flavors.

Les Collinettes 2022 is a classic expression of the region, crafted primarily from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. This varietal thrives in the Loire Valley's cool climate, producing wines with a perfect balance of acidity, citrus notes, and mineral nuances.

Tasting Notes: The 2022 Sancerre Les Collinettes by Joseph Mellot captivates the senses. On the nose, it unveils delicate aromas of white peach, elderflower, and flinty minerality. The palate offers a beautifully balanced medley of citrus, green apple, and subtle herbal undertones, all carried by a refreshing acidity. The finish is crisp, with a lingering hint of limestone that makes it a superb representation of Sancerre's terroir.

Joseph Mellot, known for its commitment to tradition, has a delightful tradition of ringing a vintage bell from the early 18th century whenever a significant milestone is reached during the winemaking process. This includes the start of harvest, the end of fermentation, and even when a new generation joins the family business. It is said that the bell's chime echoes through the vineyards, creating a harmonious connection between the past and the present. It's a reminder of the enduring history and values of the Mellot family, resonating in each bottle of their exceptional Sancerre.

With the help of wine searcher and Joseh Mellot's website.