PRIMA Notes: Thierry is a fourth-generation winegrower in the Sancerre region, situated near the village of Bué, one of the finest districts for high quality Sauvignon Blanc (and Pinot Noir) thanks to the unique mix of soil types in the surrounding hillsides. He made his first estate wine in 1982 and now, with the help of his daughter, Agathe, farms 14 hectares of vines, spread out over 30 distinct parcels. Growing grapes at the higher elevations of Bue has its risks with cool, damp weather and windy conditions. The trade-off is the incredible limestone-rich soil that contributes to the brilliance of Merlin Cherrier’s wines. Chalky clay, marl soil, with a mixture of pebbles and a streak of quartz, gives the wines their amazing lift while, at the same time, laying down a solid, balanced structure of fruit, alcohol and acidity. The 2021 Merlin-Cherrier Sancerre captures these seductive qualities as evidenced by its remarkable freshness and penetrating drive. This is truly artisanal Sancerre; the sort of wine that reminds us of just how good Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc can be. Bravo, Thierry and Agathe!
Tasting the 2021 Merlin-Cherrier Sancerre Blanc was a trip down memory lane because it brought to mind my visit to the property a few years ago; a trip sponsored by their importer/distributor. Our tour through the Loire Valley, Champagne and Chablis covered a lot of territory but the stop at Merlin-Cherrier was definitely a high point. We were on a very tight schedule and our visit with owners, Thierry and Sophie Merlin, was only supposed to be about an hour and a half. After a wonderful tasting and a drive to the top of the Chene Marchand vineyard in Thierry’s restored WWII Jeep, we came back to the house and discovered a fabulous lunch spread, catered by a local restaurant, complete with table service and a range of delicious wines from Thierry’s cellar. Of course, we couldn’t simply rush off to our next appointment so after cancelling our afternoon agenda, we stayed for a sumptuous two-hour luncheon. It was truly memorable and a testament to the graciousness of our hosts. Thierry is a fourth-generation winegrower in the Sancerre region, situated near the village of Bué, one of the finest districts for high quality Sauvignon Blanc (and Pinot Noir) thanks to the unique mix of soil types in the surrounding hillsides. He made his first estate wine in 1982 and now, with the help of his daughter, Agathe, farms 14 hectares of vines, spread out over 30 distinct parcels. Growing grapes at the higher elevations of Bue has its risks with cool, damp weather and windy conditions. The trade-off is the incredible limestone-rich soil that contributes to the brilliance of Merlin Cherrier’s wines. Chalky clay, marl soil, with a mixture of pebbles and a streak of quartz, gives the wines their amazing lift while, at the same time, laying down a solid, balanced structure of fruit, alcohol and acidity. The 2021 Merlin-Cherrier Sancerre captures these seductive qualities as evidenced by its remarkable freshness and penetrating drive. This is truly artisanal Sancerre; the sort of wine that reminds us of just how good Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc can be. Bravo, Thierry and Agathe! Oysters anyone? - Frank Rothstein
