It's been awhile since we've featured a Sancerre, but that's about to change! Husband and wife Franck and Betty Millet consistently craft one of my favorite, value-priced Sancerres from their estate vineyards in Bué.
Their 2024 Sancerre is classic in every way, shape, and form, offering up a zesty, pure, and mineralic profile that you will find quite pleasing.
2024 Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre
“Everything I want in Sancerre and more!” 93 points – Josh Spurling
Franck and Betty Millet have run their estate in the commune of Bue since 1991. While they certainly are not the oldest producer in the region, their wine shows like that of a veteran producer. Part of that is the quality of the terroir in Bue -- along with Chavignol, it is home to some of the best and most complex Sancerres out there.
It’s all about the dirt folks! The rocky, limestone-rich soils of Bue are a huge part of this wine's success. These well-drained, mineral-rich, organically-farmed plots give us wines with unique personalities. While you can make Sauvignon Blanc pretty much anywhere, you can only make Sancerre in Sancerre, and offers up classic style and panache.
That's Franck, standing in his vineyards, and if you look closely, you can see those rocky, mineralic soils. That's what gives this one its mineral complexity, but under that crushed rock complexity, there's gorgeous and perfectly ripened fruit.
I get assertive notes of green apple, pear, citrus, and a gently spicy, almost gingery note on the finish. I love how this carries a bit more concentration than a lot of Sancerres; yet, despite its fleshy and full-flavored style, it stays super fresh, dry, and zingy simultaneously.
Drink this with pan-seared trout with a brown butter and caper sauce, and you'll be in heaven. It also makes for a brilliant aperitif to enjoy at the beach, after a long day of work, or while you're hanging with your besties.
