Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy, Loire Valley (France)
There are a lot of branches of the Reverdy family in and around Sancerre but Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy is regarded as being as good as it gets. We agree.
The family makes a gorgeous rosé and two cuvées each of white and red from about 14ha under vine. The regular range is called Terre de Maimbray after the locality in which the estate (and the vines) is located. The prestige wines are aged in oak which has a fabulous softening effect on the Sauvignon in the Anges Lots white wine and adds structure to the red Pinot Noir A Nicolas, a homage to Nicolas Reverdy who died in 2007. Whilst Pinot is a favourite of ours, we do not usually enjoy Sauvignon Blanc but the Reverdy wines have long been the exception that proves the rule so we were thrilled when the family agreed to let us import their wines.
‘Having tasted the range here in the company of Pascal Reverdy, on several occasions, and having enjoyed the wines at home as well, it seems clear that this is a domaine where you can buy with confidence. As I alluded in my introduction, however, Reverdy is not an uncommon name amongst the vignerons of Sancerre; there are approaching a dozen similarly named domaines dotted around the town. Some are better than others; stick with Pascal et Nicolas and you should end up a happy drinker.
The wines perform well at all levels. The Terre de Maimbray cuvées providing a classic Sancerre experience at a good price, but it is the more elevated cuvées including Les Anges Lots and my personal favourite, the red cuvée à Nicolas, that really put this domaine on the map.’ Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor.