Pascal Jolivet : Le Grand Chemarin 2023

Tasting Notes and Characteristics of Pascal Jolivet's Grand Chemarin 2023

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a pale straw-yellow hue, enhanced by delicate green highlights that bear witness to the freshness of its youth.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet displays remarkable complexity. It blends notes of vibrant citrus, such as lemon zest, and green apple with hints of freshly cut herbs. Subtle nuances of bread dough intertwine with a strikingly pronounced saline minerality.

Palate
The attack is lively and energetic, carried by a beautiful acidity. The mid-palate offers a rich texture in which flavours of fresh citrus and green apple unfold, supported by a pronounced salinity reminiscent of gunflint. The finish stands out for its remarkable length.

Food and wine pairings
This white wine pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly oysters or grilled prawns. It also enhances fish in sauce, ceviches, as well as delicate white meats such as poached poultry.

Serving and cellaring
To fully appreciate every nuance of Le Grand Chemarin 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 10°C. Endowed with a fine structure, this vintage boasts exceptional cellaring potential and can be enjoyed until around 2043.

The pure expression of Sancerre's terroir by Pascal Jolivet

The estate
Founded in 1987 in the Loire Valley, the Pascal Jolivet House has established itself as a leading name. Still led by its eponymous founder, Pascal Jolivet, the estate cultivates a philosophy centred on respect for nature and the pure expression of terroirs. The estate now extends over 120 hectares spread between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, complemented by 60 hectares in Touraine. Globally recognised for his innovative approach and expertise, the current owner continues to elevate this estate among the leading references for great white wines.

The vineyard
Located in the village of Bué, at the heart of the Sancerre appellation, the Grand Chemarin parcel covers 1.39 hectares within a historic lieu-dit of 32 hectares. Rising between 260 and 280 metres in altitude on east-facing slopes, this exceptional terroir lies on Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich in marine sediments and caillottes. The old vines, planted between 1961 and 1971, take deep root in this rock, naturally yielding limited quantities but an intense aromatic concentration.

The vintage
2023 was marked by a relatively cool growing season, accompanied by adequate rainfall. These mild weather conditions allowed for a slow and steady ripening of the berries, fostering the development of a beautiful acidity while preserving the freshness of the vegetative cycle.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes are harvested by hand, followed by meticulous sorting of each bunch upon arrival at the cellar. To craft Le Grand Chemarin 2023, the juices are handled by gravity in order to preserve the natural flow of the winemaking process. A gentle pressing is carried out, retaining only the free-run juice and the finest press fractions. Fermentation takes place naturally in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Finally, the wine benefits from careful ageing on fine lees for 12 months.

Grape variety
100% Sauvignon Blanc