Francois Cotat - Sancerre - Les Monts Damnés

Francois Cotat farms Les Monts Damnés, one of Sancerre's most exacting Sauvignon Blanc sites, where steep slopes and chalky soils force the vine to work hard for every bunch. The wines are made with minimal intervention, favouring texture and site expression over fruit-forward simplicity.

Expect a taut, mineral style with real grip and a saline, flinty edge rather than the tropical fruit some Sauvignon drinkers expect. Serve well chilled with oysters, langoustine, goat's cheese or a plate of green vegetables dressed simply, and it will hold its own against spice too.