Domaine Michel Thomas Sancerre Rouge 2016

While it’s true that Sancerre is synonymous with Sauvignon in the same way Chablis is with Chardonnay, this is a relatively recent phenomenon. Before phylloxera destroyed the region’s rootstocks, Sancerre’s Pinot Noir was the toast of royal courts on both sides of the Channel. And that shouldn’t be so surprising – after all, a quick glance at the map shows Sancerre is closer to the Côte d’Or than to most other wine producing areas of the Loire. These days a few pioneers are producing serious red Sancerre and this, from Michel Thomas, is one of the finest. Brimming with crunchy berry notes, the underlying aromatics are more blackcurrant leaf than Burgundian earthiness. A red to drink cool with poultry, game or mild cheeses.