Celebrating five centuries of winemaking in Sancerre
(July 2, 2024 – Sancerre, France) – Albert Bichot USA is poised to launch the collection of outstanding wines from producer Joseph Mellot as part of its importer portfolio this fall.
Offering several varietals across eight AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in Centre-Loire, the core wines available to the US market include:
- VDF Blanc Sincérité Sauvignon Blanc [$19] – A brilliant robe of light yellow. A superb typical Sauvignon, with notes of broom and citrus which bring a very nice freshness to this wine. A nice balance where the freshness brings its liveliness.
- Menetou-Salon Blanc Le Clos du Pressoir [$40] – Yellow in color with slightly green reflections. Intense and complex, the nose reveals notes of quince jelly, mimosa and a touch of mint. The palate is ample and fresh. Lemony notes and guava paste come together pleasantly to leave a salty finish with a nice balance.
- Pouilly-Fumé Le Troncsec [$43] – Intense yellow color with slight green reflections. A beautiful citrus nose complemented by white fleshed fruits, fresh minerality in the mouth paired with a frank and powerful finish brings a beautiful persistence to this wine.
- Sancerre Blanc La Chatellenie [$45] – A pale gold color with green highlights. A powerful nose where citrus fruits and a beautiful minerality combine pleasantly. A balance carried by a nice freshness composed of citrus fruits ranging from lemon to grapefruit. Nice tension that prolongs the finish.
A variety of terroir and prestige award-winning wines are also available with select availability, including:
- Menetou-Salon Blanc Les Thureaux [$45] – Light yellow in color; a fine wine with floral and light lemon notes. Mineral and soft wine with a straight, firm, and suave side too. A fleshy and persistent palate where the floral and fruity notes are combined with elegance.
- Sancerre Rouge Le Rabault [$56] – Light ruby in color with intense and delicate notes of cherries and black fruits with touches of pepper. Beautiful tannins reveal the freshness of this red wine. Well-balanced between the fruitiness and delicacy of the tannins and with nice length.
- Pouilly-Fumé Domaine des Mariniers [$60] – (in conversion Organic growing) – Yellow in color with hints of green. An intense and fresh citrus background, with a slightly anisated taste. A mineral and elegant mouth bursting with citrus aromas such as bergamot and lemon. Beautiful salinity gives freshness to the wine.
- Sancerre Blanc Domaine des Emois [$68] –(Organic growing) Gold in color with a nose of Intense aromas of yellow fruits and broom. Full, well-balanced and complex with beautiful freshness at the end. The finish is long and fruity.
- Sancerre Blanc Pierre Etienne [$116] – The top wine from this producer named for the founder of the Mellot dynasty in 1513. Yellow and golden in color which is a signature of the barrel aging. Lightly smoked and spicy at first nose. Citrus fruit and minerality notes.
- Sancerre Blanc la Grande Chatelaine [$106] – Aged in barrels with rich and powerful tones. Limpid and golden color with a very delicate nose with notes of spices, exotic fruits (coconut, mango) and flowers. Vanilla notes due to aging appear when it is aerated.
Joseph Mellot’s history in Sancerre dates back five centuries to 1513 with Pierre-Etienne Mellot, the first in a long line of winemakers. His descendant, César Mellot was appointed advisor to King Louis XIV at the end of the 17th century. Throughout the generations, Domaine Joseph Mellot has strongly expanded by acquiring additional wine estates to become a true ambassador for the finest wines of the Centre-Loire region.
In the 1920s, Alphonse Mellot brought his wines to Paris, bringing additional recognition to Sancerre. His legacy was continued by his sons, Edmond and Joseph who succeeded him in 1946. In 1969, the two brothers parted ways with Joseph opening his own winery. He went on to establish the first example of eco-sustainable agriculture in the Centre-Loire region which was further improved by his son, Alexandre.
Directed since 2005 by Catherine Corbeau-Mellot, who pursues with passion and talent the work of her husband Alexandre and his ancestors, Maison Joseph Mellot is very attached to its fundamental values of quality, eco-responsibility, sharing and transmission.
Sustainability and environmentally responsible viticulture are at the heart of winemaking at the Joseph Mellot estate, reflecting the same philosophy at the core of Domaines Albert Bichot. By managing yields, monitoring plots, and enhancing soil health with modern crop management techniques, their respect for the soil and the vines ensures that they harvest grapes that express their full potential every autumn. High Environmental Value (HVE) certified since 2019, this certification serves as the latest step towards achieving Joseph Mellot’s original goal of living in harmony with the land that he first put forth in 1969.
Jim Opalka, President of Albert Bichot USA states that, “Led by Catherine Corbeau-Mellot, Maison Joseph Mellot adheres to its fundamental tenets of quality, and eco-responsibility. It’s with these practices in mind that they work to bring the most exceptional wines to the market while respecting the environment and biodiversity of Mellot’s AOCs. Initially, we will launch in 28 markets and expand our partnership to include all markets over the next 24 months. We are excited to bring their exquisite varietals to the US under the Albert Bichot USA umbrella.”
About Joseph Mellot
Joseph Mellot has been a family and historic house in Sancerre for five centuries, whose history begins with Pierre-Etienne Mellot, first of a long line of winegrowers. At the end of the 17th century, César Mellot was adviser to King Louis XIV. Over time, the House has grown by acquiring other areas. Over time, Maison Joseph Mellot has expanded to offer a wide variety of wines from the additional seven AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in Centre-Loire: Menetou-Salon, Pouilly-Fumé, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Quincy, Reuilly, Coteaux du Giennois and Châteaumeillant.
Directed since 2005 by Catherine Corbeau-Mellot, who continues with passion and talent the work of her husband Alexandre and his ancestors, the Maison Joseph Mellot is very attached to its fundamental values of quality, eco-responsibility, sharing and transmission.
About Albert Bichot USA
Albert Bichot USA is a leading wine importer of esteemed French wines, including Domaines Albert Bichot as well as Maison Lorgeril, Champagne Mandois and Joseph Mellot. The national sales team, led by President, Jim Opalka, are known for their fine wine expertise, industry relationships and extraordinary service to their brands, which extend beyond sales to marketing, brand development and a long term commitment to client relations. The group continues to build its portfolio with exceptional brands that represent a similar core philosophy and that are focused on quality and eco-responsibility.
