Reds from the Centre Loire: Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, Reuilly, Coteaux du Giennois and Châteaumeillant

The Centre Loire is best known for Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, but it also does some very interesting reds, primarily from Pinot Noir. I recently tried through a range, and came away impressed. Most people don’t realize that prior to phylloxera, Sancerre was primarily a red wine area!

Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre Rouge 2022
Supple and fine with sweet red cherries and some strawberry. Silky and quite elegant with some subtle herby notes. Nice weight and balance here. 92/100

Henri Bourgeois Pinot Noir Sancerre Rouge 2022
Fine and direct with a sappiness to the nose and then brightness on the palate. Sweet cherries and raspberries with a stony edge. Fine. 93/100

Jean-Marie Reverdy & Fils Sancerre Rouge La Villandière 2022
Really textural with a rounded core of sweet cherries and berries. Silky and rounded with nice depth. Has some sweet strawberry, too. 93/100

Domaine Charpentier Reuilly Rouge Saint-Vincent 2022
Sweet and ripe with a nice herbal twist. Lovely energy with good acidity. There’s a hint of rhubarb and nice brightness. 91/100

Domaine Pellé Menetou-Salon Morogues Les Cris Monopole 2020
Ripe, concentrated and bold with lots of sweet raspberry and cherry fruit, showing some warmth. Has some spicy depth with a touch of stewed fruit. Impactful. 92/100

Domaines Minchin La Tour Saint-Martin Menetou-Salon Pommerais 2022
Ripe and sweetly fruited, showing silky smooth raspberry and cherry fruit with some soft strawberry notes. Lots of ripe fruit here. 92/100

Domaine Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois 2022
Supple and stony, sweet red cherries and raspberries, nice savoury twist. Stony and mineral. 91/100

Domaine Siret-Courtaud Châteaumeillant 2022
Just 90 hectares in this AOC. Lovely supple red cherry and plum fruit with a nice silkiness and good weight. Finishes well structured with a touch of sour cherry. 92/100

Domaine Hubert Origines Chateaumeillant 2021
Juicy and bright with lovely red cherry fruit and some raspberry crunch. Has a nice mineral dimension, and a long finish. Impressive. 94/100