Description

The Dezat family have been in Verdigny for a long time, farming steep parcels on the flinty limestone that gives northern Sancerre its cut. This is classic stuff, fermented cool in stainless steel with nothing added in the way of oak, so the Sauvignon Blanc comes through clean and unadorned.

Expect grapefruit and gooseberry, a green note somewhere between blackcurrant leaf and freshly cut grass, and a chalky, almost smoky mineral finish that lingers longer than you expect. The acidity is bright and the whole thing is taut rather than showy.

The half bottle is the useful bit. It is the right measure for one person with a plate of goats cheese, or for two of you wanting a glass with a starter before moving on to something red. Serve it properly cold, around eight degrees, and it will handle asparagus, oysters and smoked salmon without complaint.