Domaine Michel Girard Sancerre (75cl, 13.5%)

A Sancerre made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, from Verdigny in the Loire Valley. The estate holds parcels across Terres Blanches, Caillottes and Silex soils. Grapes are hand-picked, gently pressed and fermented at a controlled 18°C with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats, with roughly 75% raised in stainless steel and up to 25% spending six months in second- and third-use 300-litre French oak barrels. The nose opens with fresh grassy notes, then grapefruit, lemon, mineral pungency, daffodil blossom and green pear. The palate is round and generous, with green apple, lemon, grapefruit, orange and almond nuttiness. The finish has lemon-rind acidity, crisp freshness and mineral precision.