2016 Jean Reverdy et Fils Sancerre La Reine Blanche

Spectator’s Sancerre “Smart Buy”

The 2016 “La Reine Blanche” (The White Queen) exudes the crisp citrus energy, the herbs, and the pierre à fusil — the smoky gunflint character — that makes Sancerre the world’s Sauvignon Blanc standard-bearer. Wine Spectator named “The White Queen” one of its Smart Buys of the year, praising its authenticity as a “bright, herbaceous style, with flint,” bolstered by “crackling acidity through the racy finish. A chalky echo adds length.” For Sancerre enthusiasts — not to be missed.  

Fran Kysela, importer and Master Sommelier, recalls being seduced by Jean Reverdy’s Sancerre in 1988. Traveling through the Loire as national sales director for legendary importer Kermit Lynch, Kysela tasted one of Reverdy’s Sancerres, then hit it off with Reverdy himself. Hoping one day to launch his own importing business; this was the kind of wine he had in mind. He asked Reverdy then and there if he could someday bring Reverdy’s wines to the U.S. Six years later, Kysela was ready, and Reverdy gave the green light.

For Sancerre lovers seeking a master class in terroir, this 2016 Jean Reverdy et Fils Sancerre La Reine Blanche is a class unto itself. Its single-vineyard source boasts Sancerre’s three marquee soils: silex (flint), caillottes (pebbles), and the clay and limestone terres blanches, or white earth. This combination imbues “La Reine Blanche” with the piercing minerality, perfume, and richness that typify classic Sancerre, at a fantastic modest pricetag.

Sancerre is the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc, especially the villages of Bué, Chavignol, and Verdigny. The latter is where Reverdy’s family has worked the land for 10 generations. Vinified and aged in stainless steel without a hint of oak or malolactic fermentation.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 13.00%
• Enjoy right away
• Drink Up
• 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Serving temperature – 45°
• Cork