Alphonse Mellot

The history of Alphonse Mellot wines

The Sancerre hill was already occupied in the time of Julius Caesar, and the terroir was already known to be beneficial to vines. The first mention of the Mellot family appears in local archives in 1513. They are mentioned as a family of winegrowers and wine merchants.
In 1698, Louis XIV, reigning over France, chose a certain César Mellot as his wine advisor.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Alphonse Mellot expanded the vineyard and gave the estate its definitive name. In 1881, an export license enabled Alphonse Mellot wines to be distributed worldwide. Since then, his descendants have continued to work towards excellence in production, passing on their know-how from generation to generation.

The vineyards of Alphonse Mellot wines

Sancerre sits on a hill that rises out of the sage landscape of the Loire Valley. The town is built on a grandiose amphitheater offering splendid views over the region. The vineyards of Alphonse Mellot wines occupy plots of the highest vineyards, the most famous of which belong to the Domaine de la Moussière, covering an area of over 30 hectares in a single block.

The wines from this estate are of such high quality that they are the only ones in the entire Sancerrois region to be awarded the prestigious "hors concours" label.

The terroir of Alphonse Mellot wines is limestone and benefits from sun exposure favorable to the vines. The grape varieties used for Sancerre red and Sancerre rosé are mainly Pinot. The most prestigious parcel bears the old vines of Vieux Clos Chambrastes. Legend has it that it stands on the site of an ancient Roman camp.

The grape variety for Sancerre blanc is Sauvignon. This is a very old grape variety, whose small, tightly-packed berries are highly prized in the region. The estate is run with the greatest respect for nature and the grapes. The grapes are harvested by hand. The berries are harvested in small crates, so as to bring them intact to the press.

Alphonse Mellot wines

Domaine de La Moussière is the cornerstone of Alphonse Mellot wines. Its wines come in three dresses, white, rosé and red.

La Moussière white

La Moussière white brings together young and old vines. The wine has a golden color, with lively flashes of green. The wine is straightforward, with a floral, fruity bouquet. The nose is marked by white flowers and fruits such as white peach. The palate is lively and supple.

La Moussière blanc from Alphonse Mellot wines goes well with fish tartare, pike with beurre blanc, trout meunière, pike with saffron, as well as omelette with chanterelles.

La Moussière Rouge

La Moussière rouge is made from the Pinot Noir grape variety Roy. The wine is produced from young vines to give it exceptional tenderness and vigor. It boasts a magnificent crimson color. The nose is full of red and black berries, including raspberry, redcurrant, blackberry and morello cherry. The palate is round and mellow, with great structure.

La Moussière rouge goes well with warm pies, cabbage stuffed with chestnuts, duck with olives and grilled beef.