Champagne Beaumont de Crayeres Brut NV

This small domaine was one of the first to modernise in the region of Sancerre. The vines are planted on the rocky silex soils and the resultant wine takes a little time to show its true colours. But when it does, it is impressively pure and expressive of the flint from which it was born. Give it time to open up in the glass.Very pungent elderflower and gooseberry fruit, but there’s an edge of ripe pear and pear-drop, with a little suggestion of a more tropical fruit character. Very crisp, clean and racy on the palate with a core of orchard fruits that is very pure and focused through the mid-palate, with melon and a tangy apple acidity on the finishA great example of Sancerre from a great organic producer. A perfect partner for British goat's cheese such as Sinodun Hill and Driftwood. Also great with light fish dishes and smoked salmon.

This domaine with its beautiful Touraine-style house made out of tufa produces first class Sauvignon from vines grown on perruche (sandy-clay) soil. The estate is managed according to the Terra Vitis programme, a codified system which posits not only respect for the environment but knowledge of the land, parcel by parcel. This sensitivity to the environment means that natural rather than chemical solutions can be pursued in the vineyard. The grapes are picked at maximum ripeness and immediately transported to the winery to prevent oxidation. This Sauvignon de Touraine, which in previousyears has garnered high praise from the Guide Hachette, has lifted aromas of elderflower cordial, Victoria plums and hints of grass. The palate is filled with gooseberry fool infused with elderflower and hints of summer fruit.A great budget alternative to Sancerre & Pouilly-Fume; perfect with light fish and salad dishes.