The 2021 Croix du Roy reveals the elegance and lifted fruit character that define top-tier Sancerre Pinot Noir. A cooler, more classical Loire vintage, 2021 brings bright red cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry tones, underpinned by rose petals, white pepper and a whisper of forest floor. The wine’s hallmark is its poise: fine, chalk-inflected minerality and vibrant acidity shape a palate that is silky, light on its feet and wonderfully expressive of place.

Crafted from old-vine Pinot Noir grown on limestone and clay around Bué, the cuvée is aged with restraint to preserve purity and finesse. The result is a beautifully balanced, terroir-driven red that sits comfortably between Loire freshness and Burgundian subtlety. Croix du Roy 2021 drinks beautifully now for its aromatic clarity but will also develop gracefully over the next five to seven years.

The Crochet family is one of the benchmark names in Sancerre, renowned for an unwavering commitment to precision, purity and terroir expression. Founded by Lucien Crochet through the merger of his father’s and father-in-law’s domaines, the estate has grown into one of the most respected in the region. Today it is led by Lucien’s son, Gilles Crochet, who has continued to refine the domaine’s approach, emphasising meticulous vineyard work, low yields and sensitive winemaking that allows each parcel to speak clearly.

Their reputation was first built on exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, but the domaine’s Pinot Noir — particularly Croix du Roy — has become increasingly sought after. Gilles works with old vines, limestone-rich soils and careful élevage in large oak to achieve reds of purity, finesse and quiet power. The style is understated yet full of character, combining Burgundian elegance with the distinct minerality of Sancerre. The result is a range of wines that consistently sit among the Loire Valley’s finest.

Pinot Noir (100%)

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most revered and expressive grape varieties, prized for its elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect terroir like no other. Native to Burgundy, it thrives in cool to moderate climates and is notoriously thin-skinned and finicky to grow, requiring careful vineyard management. In the glass, Pinot Noir typically offers delicate aromas of red berries—such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry—alongside floral notes, forest floor, and subtle spice. Its light to medium body, gentle tannins, and bright acidity make it both graceful and food-friendly. Whether from the limestone slopes of Burgundy, the coastal vineyards of California, the hills of Oregon, or New Zealand’s Central Otago, Pinot Noir captivates with its finesse, transparency, and the ability to age gracefully, making it a favourite among both winemakers and wine lovers alike.

Loire Valley