Situated in the picturesque wine region of the Loire, the Alphonse Mellot vineyard has a rich and prestigious history dating back to the 16th century. Local archives attest to the presence of the Mellot family as renowned winemakers and wine merchants from this period. In 1698, even King Louis XIV appointed César Mellot as a wine advisor, highlighting the family's exceptional reputation in the world of wine.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Alphonse Mellot founded the family estate in Sancerre, which expanded over the generations. The vineyards stretch over more than 30 hectares in one piece, on the high slopes of Sancerre, with limestone soils ideal for the noble grape, Sauvignon Blanc. The Mellot family has perpetuated the winemaking tradition from father to son, with each eldest bearing the founder's name.
Thus, since 1513, 18 generations of Alphonse Mellots have succeeded each other, with the transmission from father to son of the same name, the right gestures to adopt in the vineyards and in the cellars, in order to produce excellent wines that mark each generation.
Today, Alphonse Mellot junior, representing the twentieth generation of winemakers in the family, perpetuates the family heritage with passion and dedication.
The estate now spans 48 hectares, with 39 devoted to white wines, and is renowned for producing some of the finest Sancerres in the appellation.
Located east of Bourges, on the banks of the Loire, the Sancerre vineyard covers 2,500 ha. It is planted in Sauvignon for the white wines (75% of the production), and in Pinot Noir for the red wines. Located on hills, around 200 m above sea level, the white vineyards are divided into 3 distinct areas: in the west, clay, limestone and Kimmeridgian marl soils give powerful wines, in the center, gravel and limestone soils produce particularly delicate wines, and those near the town of Sancerre, flint soils, result in very aromatic wines. All are on notes of redcurrant, citrus, flower and spices. Some late harvests were produced during the favorable years.
Some producers are standing out: Alphonse Mellot, Didier Dagueneau, Edmond Vatan, François Cotat, Gérard Boulay, Henri Bourgeois, Lucien Crochet, Pascal Cotat, Sébastien Riffault, Vacheron, Vincent Gaudry, Vincent Pinard...
Viticultural practices are conducted biodynamically, with particular attention to ripeness control, ensuring wines of exceptional quality.
Among the domain's emblematic cuvées, there are Edmond, from vines over 40 years old, and the Génération XIX cuvée, produced from very old vines of nearly 90 years. These wines are distinguished by their finesse, aromatic bouquet, and fruitiness, perfectly reflecting the unique terroir of Sancerre.
Sancerre Les Romains by Alphonse Mellot (white): Derived from a plot planted in 1951 on flinty clay soil, this pure Sauvignon Blanc epitomizes the excellence of the Mellot family. Thanks to meticulous biodynamic farming, it distinguishes itself with a lemon yellow hue with green reflections and reveals a delicate bouquet blending floral notes, dried fruits, chalk, and candied citrus. On the palate, it offers a voluptuous, generous, and fruity texture, pairing perfectly with river fish, regional cheeses, and even desserts like warm tarte Tatin.
Sancerre Cuvée Edmond by Alphonse Mellot (white): Crafted from old vines aged between forty and over eighty years, this Sancerre Blanc unveils a rich and powerful nose, offering a varied aromatic bouquet of fruits and flowers, complemented by notes of honey, vanilla, and brioche. In the mouth, it stands out for its amplitude, richness, and long spicy and woody finish, harmonizing perfectly with poultry or seared scallops.
Sancerre La Moussière by Alphonse Mellot (white): Hailing from the eponymous domain, this Sancerre Blanc is cultivated on "Saint Doulchard" marls exposed to the south, imparting a strong typicity to the wine. With its floral and fruity bouquet and its pure, frank, supple, and lively texture, it charms with its energy and pairs perfectly with fine dishes such as fish tartare, cheese puffs, or Chavignol goat cheese.
Sancerre Génération XIX by Alphonse Mellot (red): This cuvée originates from a small one-hectare plot where the vines, aged over 60 years, grow on Kimmeridgian marls. Cultivated according to biodynamic principles, manual harvesting and cold maceration preserve delicate tannins and aromas of Pinot Noir. With its deep ruby robe, enchanting nose of black fruits, and ample, structured palate, this rare cuvée offers immense aging potential and pairs perfectly with dishes like a mushroom fricassee.
In conclusion, the Alphonse Mellot estate embodies the excellence and winemaking tradition of the Loire, offering wines of exceptional quality and timeless elegance. The Mellot family continues to perpetuate its heritage with passion and determination, ensuring the longevity of its prestigious estate for generations to come.