Domaine des Chasseignes 'Evidence' Sancerre Rouge 2022

A darker, more structured expression of Sancerre Rouge, grown on silex soils and aged for 12 to 15 months in barrel. Dark cherry, raspberry and savory spice are held by fresh acidity and fine tannin.

Evidence comes from the domaine’s Pinot Noir parcels on silex soils and is made with greater extraction and longer élevage than the lighter style commonly associated with Sancerre Rouge. The result is dark-fruited and firmly structured, with black cherry, raspberry, dried flowers and spice carried by fresh acidity and fine tannin.

Quick Facts

• Producer: Domaine des Chasseignes
• Wine: ‘Evidence’
• Vintage: 2022
• Region: Loire Valley, France
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Soils: Silex
• Farming: Certified organic
• Aging: 12 to 15 months in 300-liter barrels
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Style: Dry, medium-bodied, dark-fruited and structured

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

Evidence offers more depth and structure than many drinkers expect from Sancerre Rouge without losing the freshness that defines Pinot Noir from this part of the Loire. The silex soils and cool climate keep ripeness in check, leaving a wine that feels complete rather than heavy.

It's a strong choice for Pinot Noir drinkers looking beyond Burgundy for a cooler-climate expression with savory detail.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Black cherry, dark plum, raspberry, dried flowers and baking spice.
• Palate: Dark cherry and red raspberry with savory herbs, earth and a subtle stony character.
• Structure: Medium-bodied with fresh acidity, fine firm tannins and a long, spice-driven finish.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Evidence is produced from Pinot Noir grown on the domaine’s silex soils. Yields are reduced in the vineyard, and the fruit is harvested by hand before being sorted both at harvest and again at the winery.

The grapes are fully destemmed and receive a four-day cold maceration followed by approximately 15 days to three weeks on the skins. Fermentation is managed with gentle pumpovers, with délestage used when needed.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in 300-liter barrels, where the wine remains for 12 to 15 months before bottling.

Serving & Pairing

Serve slightly cool at 55 to 58°F. Give the wine 30 to 60 minutes of air when opening it now.

Its combination of dark fruit, acidity and fine tannin works especially well with duck breast, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mushrooms, lentils and roasted root vegetables.

Estate Overview

Domaine des Chasseignes is a fourth-generation family estate based in Sury-en-Vaux. Aurore Dezat took over the domaine in 2011, and her husband, David Girard, joined her in 2016 after working with organic and biodynamic vineyards.

Together they farm 9.5 hectares across Sancerre’s three principal soil types: terres blanches, caillottes and silex. Only 1.39 hectares are planted to Pinot Noir.

The estate is certified organic, with its small scale allowing Aurore and David to manage each parcel and bottling individually.

Silex-Grown Pinot Noir

Silex soils retain warmth, helping Pinot Noir ripen within Sancerre’s cool climate. That combination gives Evidence its darker fruit and concentration while preserving acidity and keeping the wine from becoming broad or heavy.

Here, the site and longer élevage produce a Sancerre Rouge with black and red fruit, savory depth and firmer structure than the appellation’s more immediate expressions.