Red revolution – Decanter article now published

Sancerre: ripe Pinot Noir October 2008

My article on the on-going red revolution in the Central Vineyards has now been published in Decanter. It was due to appear earlier in the year but unfortunately publication got delayed. Here is a brief taster:

'Sancerre’s red revolution gathers pace

As Sancerre Rouge celebrates its first 50 years of appellation contrôlée status, the red revolution that started in the early 1990s continues. After years of making light, often dilute reds from Pinot Noir, an ever-increasing number of Sancerre producers are making more noteworthy and substantial reds.

I first became aware of the change in the late 1990s when I tasted the 1995s and 1996s from Alphonse Mellot, Domaine Vacheron and Nicolas and Pascal Reverdy.'

Continued in the September 2009 issue of Decanter ................

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Unfortunately due to lack of space the wine I recommended from Fabien Geoffrenet was cut, here are the details:

Châteaumeillant
Two stars 14 points

2007 Extra Version, Domaine Geoffrenet-Morval 8.20€

From 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Gamay, this has attractive red fruits with some complexity. (Now-2010)