Paul Thomas Sancerre Rose "Chavignol" 2025

Notes:

Producer: Domaine Paul Thomas is a family-run estate based in Chavignol, at the foot of the Monts Damnés hillside in Sancerre. The domaine was established in 1965 by Jean Denizot and has been directed since 2001 by his grandson Raphaël Thomas, son of Paul Thomas. Today Raphaël and Claire Thomas manage the property. The domaine comprises approximately 9 hectares of vineyards, planted roughly 75% to Sauvignon Blanc and 25% to Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc forms the basis of the estate’s white Sancerre, while Pinot Noir is used for its red and rosé wines. The domaine follows the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) environmental program.
Vineyard: The Sancerre Rosé “Chavignol” is produced from Pinot Noir grown within the Sancerre appellation. Chavignol is one of the historic winegrowing villages of Sancerre and sits among the steep vineyard slopes surrounding Monts Damnés. The vineyards of this part of Sancerre are strongly influenced by limestone-rich soils, an important component of the appellation’s geology. Domaine Paul Thomas is situated at the foot of Monts Damnés and farms vineyards on the surrounding slopes. Approximately one-quarter of the domaine’s vineyard holdings are planted to Pinot Noir. “Chavignol” refers to the village where the domaine is based rather than to an individual named vineyard.
Winemaking: The 2025 Sancerre Rosé “Chavignol” is made from 100% Pinot Noir. Paul Thomas has traditionally used both direct pressing and saignée in the production of its Sancerre Rosé, with previous vintages documented as incorporating equal portions of the two methods. Direct pressing extracts juice with limited skin contact, while saignée draws juice from Pinot Noir after a period of contact with the skins. The wine is produced as a dry, still rosé under the Sancerre appellation, where rosé is made exclusively from Pinot Noir. The domaine’s rosé production represents part of its longstanding work with Pinot Noir alongside its Sancerre Rouge.
Technical Details: 2025 vintage; Sancerre AOC; Chavignol, Loire Valley, France; 100% Pinot Noir; dry rosé; 12.5% alcohol; 750ml. Domaine Paul Thomas farms approximately 9 hectares, with around 25% of its vineyard area planted to Pinot Noir. The estate is based in Chavignol at the foot of Monts Damnés, one of the best-known vineyard slopes in the Sancerre appellation.
Food Pairing: Sancerre Rosé works particularly well with Crottin de Chavignol, the local goat cheese that shares its origins in the village. The combination of Pinot Noir fruit and the fresh acidity associated with Sancerre also makes it well suited to salmon, trout, tuna, shellfish, grilled fish, charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled poultry, vegetable dishes, and composed salads. It can also accompany sushi and other Japanese preparations, particularly those featuring raw or lightly seared fish. Served chilled, it is equally appropriate as an aperitif or as a versatile rosé at the table.