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Sancerre is arguably the world’s greatest expression of Sauvignon and La Damnée, from one of the region’s steepest sloping vineyards, has really striking freshness. The Prieur brothers are particularly excited by the quality of the fine 2017 vintage.
Tasting notes
Gooseberry, fresh citrus and mineral tang. Intensity and balance
Aroma
Striking, fresh cut grass, faint gooseberry and herb aromas
More information
The chalky-clay vineyards of Les Monts Damnés in Sancerre are formidably steep. The story goes that growers so dreaded having to work on ‘those damned slopes’ that the name stuck. It’s not unheard of for grape pickers to strap a cushion to their posteriors just in case. But the risks have attendant rewards – namely distinctive, intensely flavoured, elegant wines. Bruno and Thierry Prieur come from a long line of Sancerre winemakers, and out of their 30 hectares of Sauvignon consider that La Damnée produces their best. 2017 was nicknamed the ‘smiley vintage’, very good for quality, and by harvesting at the optimum moment they’ve created a wine with a perfect balance of ripe fruit and freshness. Ideal partnered with seafood or goat’s cheese.