Dominique Roger Domaine du Carrou 'Sancerre' Rose 2021 Sancerre

Winery Information

Domaine du Carrou, led by Dominique Roger in the village of Bué, Loire Valley, has been in the Roger family since the 17th century. The estate’s name—Carrou—comes from an old French word for “crossroads,” inspired by a square next to the cellars. The domaine covers roughly 1 ha in Bué and is renowned for its meticulous vineyard management, sustainable practices, and elegant, mineral-driven Sancerre wines.

Vineyards & Vintage Conditions

• Appellation: AOP Sancerre (Sancerre Rosé “Domaine du Carrou”).

• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir, from vines approximately 17 years old planted on 1 ha in Bué.

• Soil & Terroir: Clay–chalk over Portlandian chalk with layers of limestone (caillottes, terres blanches, silex), offering minerality and finesse.

• Climate: Semi‑continental, cool nights and temperate days at around 350 m elevation.

• Viticulture: Vines are hand‑harvested; soil is ploughed, cover crops are sown, compost is used, and green harvest/pruning strategies reduce yields (40–55 hl/ha). Disease risk is minimised through careful canopy management and weather‑station monitoring.

Winemaking

The grapes are destemmed and very gently pressed (vin gris method), not saignée, preserving elegance and delicate colour. Fermentation lasts around three weeks under temperature control, carried out in stainless steel tanks. The wine rests on fine lees until spring bottling, ensuring purity, freshness, and structure.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Limpid pale salmon to pink-gold, with delicate highlights.

• Nose: Citrus and floral elements—pink grapefruit, orchard blossoms, with subtle pollen, apricot, and boiled-sweet notes.

• Palate: Fresh and lively with red-berry flavours (cherry, currant), yellow peach, and a crisp, saline finish that highlights minerality.

• Finish: Clean, elegant, with a fine mineral thread and moderate length suitable for summer enjoyment.

Food Pairing

This Rosé pairs beautifully with:

• Cold and smoked meats, including charcuterie and salmon

• White meats and poultry

• Salads or green vegetables

• Exotic dishes like light tajines or grilled seafood

• Cured fish or mild soft cheeses