Since inheriting Domaine du Pré Semelé from his father Rémy, Clément Raimbault, in partnership with his brother Julien, has transformed it into a rising star of Sancerre. Fastidious, verging on obsessive, he is driven to make the very best Sancerre possible from his family's 22-hectare estate. The vineyards lie on clay-limestone (mostly Kimmeridgian marls with some Portlandian limestone) near Maimbray, 5km north of the village of Sancerre, and are carefully managed following the principles of reasoned agriculture. Although not the largest or most famous Sancerre producer, and possibly because of this, Clément's passion is supported by intricate winemaking skills resulting in wines that faithfully communicate their beautiful terroir. The domaine is certified organic by ecocert and works in the spirit of sustainable development. No herbicides, pesticides, or weedkillers are used; the soil between the rows of vines is tilled to prevent compaction and to promote biodiversity; and all phytosanitary products used are organic. In some of the vineyards they sow “green manure” in the autumn, which they destroy in the spring. This practice allows them to fertilize naturally and promotes biodiversity. They protect and preserve as many old trees as possible by treating them against wood diseases using curettage.

Julien and Clément identify in advance the plots of Pinot Noir that will be chosen to make their rosé. The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness by machine to facilitate loading straight into the press.

This is a 100% rosé de presse as the brothers believe that gentle pressing over 3.5 hours is the only way to extract the delicate aroma and flavour components from just under the skins of the grapes. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel and aged on the fine lees for 6 to 10 months.

Seafood, grilled chicken, risotto, grilled goat's cheese salad