Country:

Regions:

Winemaker: Jean-Marc Pastou

In the petite village of Sury-en-Vaux, north of the legendary Sancerre vineyard, “Monts Damnées,” sits one of our favorite sources for invigorating, diamond-cut Sauvignon Blanc.

The Pastou domaine, vintage after vintage, delivers older-vine Sancerre that is raised on flint-rich soils and aged only in tank. Jean-Marc Pastou tends some 25 acres of vines near his family home all in the village of Sury, which is one of 14 villages allowed to produce Sauvignon Blanc as Sancerre.

Our relationship with Jean-Marc Pastou is one based on incredible respect and trust—every vintage he allows us the pick of his modest cellar to assemble our own “Cuvée Unique” blend. What we're looking for is Sancerre that captures the essence of the appellation—always firecracker-fresh, with layers of sweet white fruit and plenty of mineral energy.

“La Côte de Sury,” pulled from vines that sit on the upper reaches of the Sury vineyard slopes, is a North Berkeley exclusive and a gem of a Sancerre that delivers pure Sauvignon pleasure year after year. 

Pastou Sancerre La Côte de Sury Vieilles Vignes 2010 France / Loire Valley This is pure, razor-sharp Sancerre, with the cut and bite and juice one should always demand of these gorgeous chalky hills. Citrus zest and Chablis energy runs through the nose; the mouth is awash with delectable white fruits and plenty of chiseled mineral power, thirst-quenching and reinvigorating. Expertly crafted; 100% tank-made; and always a jaw-dropping value for its top-notch quality. $22.50

Pastou Sancerre La Côte de Sury Vieilles Vignes 2008 France / Loire Valley As always, Jean-Marc Pastou allowed us to select our favorite tanks of old-vine Sauvignon Blanc grown on the slopes of the town of Sury, just north of Sancerre proper. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.