Emile Balland's La Pente is a first-class Sancerre, and the pinnacle of his production. This wine is amazingly textured, with 18 months of aging in large barrels contributing to its complexity. It has a classically fine minerality, a nicely restrained tropical fruit feel, and a long, luxurious finish. The Balland family has been making wines in the Loire since 1650, and Emile's philosophy is to interfere as little as possible in the vineyard, allowing the vines to express their true terroir. The wine comes from the steep, south-facing slopes of the Amigny area of Sancerre, where Emile uses a horse, 'Viking', to plough parts of his vineyards. A perfect addition to any Christmas dinner table.
