Chateau La Robotine - Sancerre Blanc 2023

Sancerre Blanc - Château la Rabotine (Loire, France)

Alban and his wife took control of Château La Rabotine and its vineyards in 2010. What seems like a new wine venture is actually a continuation of an old one; the Roblins have cultivated this land since the 1920s. Alban Roblin lives in Sury-en-Vaux, Smile of the Valley. Sounds like a gimmicky name for a cheese, right? Yet, this northerly region is home to several exceptional winemakers, like the cellars of Mr. Reverdy and Mr. Riffault; pretty nice company. As a winemaker of skill and finesse, Alban is no exception to this remarkable company.

The terrain of Rabotine is a blanket of rocks and stones, exposed gentle hillsides, and old-vines (well over 40 years). The region is singular due to its higher altitude (~280m) and the wind that funnels though the valley, acting like a hair dryer to the vines, deflecting problematic rot and disease. This unusual setting allows Alban to farm biodynamically without sacrificing the fitness of the fruit. For Alban, each vintage dictates how the wine will be made… Will there be more used barrel than steel for Pinot Noir? Will there be stems in the rosé? Will there be extra time on the lees for Sauvignon Blanc? For this reason, the wines of Alban and Château La Rabotine engage us every year and have us drinking Sancerre all over again.