Lucien Crochet : La Croix du Roy 2016

Lucien Crochet creates a powerful and complex Sancerre wine

The estate

Founded from the merging of the estates of André Crochet and Lucian Picard, the Domaine Lucian Crochet has gradually expanded to its current area size of 38 hectares in the Sancerre appellation. The vineyard stretches over the village of Bué, but also Sancerre,  Crézancy et Vinon. It grows sauvignon blanc across 29 hectares and pinot noir in nine.

The vineyard

La Croix du Roy 2016 is a Sancerre wine stemming from a blend from several plots on the estate. The vines, on average 40 years old, rest on a terroir of Oxfordian limestone called caillottes and white soils.

The vintage

Following a mild and rainy winter, the growth cycle started late over the month of April. After a cool May, flowering took place at the end of June in good conditions. The dry and very hot weather over the summer period slowed down the ripening. Exactly like 2015, the vineyard was in a quality state. The grapes, harvested at the beginning of October, gave off a gorgeous aromatic purity.

Winemaking and ageing

After the harvest by hand, the grapes were sorted and destemmed, before vatting over 30 days. On running off, the free run juice and the press juice were blended and funnelled after 24 hours of decantation. Aged in pièce bourguignonne barrels (75%) and half-casks (25%). Bottled without filtration.

Blend

Pinot noir (100%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for La Croix du Roy 2016 de Lucien Crochet

Tasting

Colour
The colour is of a beautiful garnet red.

Nose
The nose is powerful and complex. Opening with intense leather notes, the bouquet at aeration unveils fruity (raspberry, wild strawberry), subtly vanilla fragrances but also with notes evoking tapenade and tobacco.

Palate
Combining freshness and maturity, the palate exhales scents of cherry, velvety tannins and a finish with caramel notes.

Storage

This Croix du Roy 2016 de Lucien Crochet can be laid down until about 2026.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve this wine at 14°C.

Food and wine pairings

This Loire wine perfectly accompanies red meats, game and duck.