2023 Domaine la Clef du Récit (Anthony Girard) Quincy

Staff Reviews

AH

Aaron Hughes

Aaron Hughes

Review Date: 06/2025

This has a little bit more grapefruit on the nose than you might expect for something French, but it's really a nice and subtle note that doesn't really overwhelm the nose, giving way to white peaches, nectarines and a hard grate and lemon zest. The palate is really soft and friendly, the fruit is there but a little bit more subtle, with some quince, Cosmic Crisp apple, more lemon, and delicious earthy mineral finish. This is a really pretty French Sauvignon Blanc, and for the price it really slots in well for someone who wants a Sauvignon Blanc that is just a touch softer in acidity but still has plenty there for everything you want it to do.

Notes

Winemaker Anthony Girard grew up in his family's Sancerre winery, but spent a number of years learning about wine production all over the world before returning home to continue working with Sauvignon Blanc. While helping with the namesake Girard label, Anthony wanted to create his own project on the side and eventually purchased a small plot of pristine real estate near the town of Récy, with primo Sancerre limestone soils. After acquiring the vines, he was given a large key as a symbolic gesture of new ownership, a "clef du récit," which became the name of the estate. While the heavy limestone content helps the fruit retain bright acidity, a portion of the vineyard is planted in flintier grounds, which adds minerality to the finish. Anthony's wines are renowned for their freshness and zip. Quincy is a satellite of Sancerre but sits about an hour west off the Cher river. The soils are sandier here and produce Sauvignon Blancs with more floral and stone fruit character.