Tradition – Sancerre | Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye | Sauvignon Blanc | Sancerre, Loire | France

Description Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye by Florian Mollet is one of few Sancerre estates planted entirely on flint soils in the appellation. Known as ‘silex’, this soil type represents just 15% of the Sancerre appellation and produces taught, precise wines with an expressive gunflint aroma. The history of Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye dates back to the 15th century when the local Abbey identified four hectares of silex soil and named them Domaine du Clos du Roc. This remarkable plot became part of the domaine in 1973, through the marriage of Jean-Paul Mollet and Rosie-Marie Maudry (whose family owned the plot), who combined their family estates to create Domaine Roc de L’Abbaye. Their son Florian Mollet honed his craft in Australia and South Africa and now manages the 17.5-hectare estate, which includes 11.5 hectares in Sancerre, made up of twelve parcels planted on silex soils, and six hectares in Pouilly-Fumé. The vineyards achieved sustainable certification in April 2022. Each parcel is fermented individually to allow for greater flexibility in blending, alongside achieving a better understanding of each site. The grapes are harvested by hand or machine, depending on the parcel, before receiving a gentle pressing before fermentation in stainless-steel tanks for three weeks. The final wines spend six months on their fine lees, with weekly bâttonage, before being bottled the following spring. The ‘Tradition’ Sancerre is sourced from 15 – 25-year-old vines within the domaine’s silex vineyards, offering an intense, mineral expression with a core of delicate citrus and stone fruits. A classic Sancerre, the nose displays aromas of white flowers and subtle citrus notes with a core of refreshing acidity on the palate, enhanced by a stony mineral freshness, bright citrus and stone fruit notes and a long, saline finish.