Rounding out the Loire is the most eastern region.

The Eastern Loire: Pouilly-Fume & Sancerre

Over 300 miles away from Muscadet on the Atlantic is the eastern Liore.  While almost all the wine in the region is made from Sauvignon Blanc, it doesn’t mean it’s your typical run of the mill Sauvignon Blanc.  Wild and unrestrained with bracing acidity, the Sauvignon Blanc of the eastern Loire is unbridled, and typically spends time in stainless steel.  The exception to this is Pouilley-Fume (which is across from Sancerre), and the wines are aged in oak barrels.

Pascal Jolivet

Can Pascal Jolivet Sancerre do the area justice with it’s elevated price tag?

Sight:  A moderate gold with a hint of green.

Smell:  The nose is relatively subtle, but there is a good amount of bell pepper and gooseberry that comes through.  Wet stone and chalk come through, with hints of lime and herbs.

Sip:  Bright, with hits of salinity, chalk, and minerals that all hit off the bat.  There’s a lot of gooseberry, lime pith, and not quite ripe starfruit all come to the forefront.  The weight is moderate, and balances well with the acidity, leading to a taut body.

Savor:  The ending is brief, but full of fresh lime that briefly fades into chalky.

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre is a more minerally Sauvignon Blanc that almost begs for food.  While this wine is ok on its own, if you want a secret perfect pairing, then goat cheese and Sancerre will elevate both.  In this case, the cheese tanginess smooths out, and the wine gets more fruity.  The two tangy elements balance, and elevate.  As Sancerre goes, Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2014 is a nice, restrained Sauvignon Blanc with a balanced personality.

Verdict:  Chalk, Gooseberry, Lime, Bright
Rating: 75
Price: $16
Sancerre,  France

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