2018 Daniel Chotard Sancerre Rouge 'Le Chant de l'Archet '

In more modern times, as the world thirsted for crisp, lively whites, Sancerre stepped up with such roaring success that it nearly became a household name for “white wine.” Pinot Noir, suddenly shoved into the back seat, was almost a victim of the region’s popularity. Thankfully, Simon Chotard has spent the last decade or so deeply focusing on his reds, releasing micro-cuvées of Pinot Noir from his oldest vines and most interesting plots. His Chant de l’Archet cuvée comes from two parcels of prime real estate (mid-slope and south-facing) on the celebrated “cirque de Reigny,” the amphitheater hill around his village. A slow, cold ferment and a long élevage in old wood help showcase the elegance, dark fruit, and spiced nose of this profound and grand Pinot.