Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Demoiselle Rouge 2019 (750ml) *

Sancerre is best known for white wine, but its red bottlings, made from Pinot Noir, can carry real presence, and this is one of them. The Rouge cuvée called La Demoiselle comes from Alphonse Mellot, working the appellation in the eastern Loire, and the 2019 vintage sits at a restrained 13% alcohol. Sealed under a Diam closure, it is a serious take on cool-climate Pinot rather than a light quaffing red.

The nose runs deep and intense, spicy and pure, with ripe dark fruit shaded by a saline, iodine edge. On the palate it is silky and fresh but full-bodied and fleshy, carrying more power and grip than red Sancerre often shows, with tannins that mark it as young and still gathering itself. There is a persistent, vivacious energy through the finish, and a slightly oxidative, savory character that rewards patience and air.