Le Roi des Pierres Sancerre Rose 2022 750 ML

Introduction

The Loire Valley is the historical heart of France, renowned for its beautiful countryside, breathtaking Chateaux, stunning architecture and of course, legendary wine. From the 10th century onwards, kings and queens have called it their home, promoting intellectual and cultural advancements throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The area was also fiercely coveted by the English monarchy and inhabited by the British until Joan of Arc led French troops to victory to regain the area for France. Sancerre is one of the most well-known wine regions in not only the Loire, but also the world, and its wines have a particularly lengthy history, recorded as far back as 582 by Gregory of Tours in his work, Historiae Francorum. However, legend has it that vines have been cultivated here since ancient times and it is believed that the Romans were actually the first to plant vineyards. Julius Caesar conquered the area, building a temple and camp in what is currently Sancerre to honor Ceres, the goddess of fertility and agriculture. The Loire River, the longest in France, provided the transportation necessary to export goods, resulting in mentions of Sancerre wines in accounts at royal courts over the centuries. Duke Jean de Berry, the third son of King John II of France and brother to King Charles V, stated that Sancerres wine was indeed the finest to be found in the entire kingdom. The 14 villages of the Sancerre appellation are all situated on the left bank of the Loire River and experience distinct seasonal changes which allow for a lengthy growing period. While Sancerre was historically more well-known for its red wines, primarily Pinot Noir, the famed Sauvignon Blanc came into being at the end of the 19th century after the original vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera. Today, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir-based reds and roses reign in the region, with Sauvignon Blanc representing over two thirds of production.