Pre Semele Sancerre (750ml)

Domaine du Pré Semelé is located in a tiny valley a few miles northwest of the hilltop town of Sancerre.  Three generations of the family Raimbault have grown grapes and made wine.  Grandfather Maurice worked the vineyards, 3ha, with his brother Camille. Maurice’s sons Claude and Rémy followed suit in 1988 expanding the holdings to 12ha. In 2001 Rémy’s son Julien stepped in as vigneron and the three created a new name, Domaine du Pré Semelé (pronounced pray sem-ill-ay, it is the name of the plot of land on which the winery sits.) Claude retired in 2009 and Remy’s son Clément became the winemaker.   Rémy still helps out at the domaine, but it is the new generation that is taking the estate and its wines to the next level .  Today Julien and Clément manage the 18 hectares of vines across 45 different parcels, three quarters Sauvignon Blanc and the rest Pinot Noir.  Their farming practices are “lutte raisonée” though most would call their methods practicing organic, or non certified organic. He uses no insecticides or pesticides in the vineyards. 90% of the vineyard rows are grassed to encourage a natural and healthy environment for the vines.