Roblin Sancerre Ammonites

Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin is a fourth-generation family estate in Maimbray, a small hamlet just outside Sancerre. Brothers Matthias and Emile took over the family vineyards in 2000 and have quietly built a reputation for producing Sauvignon Blanc that reflects the remarkable limestone and clay soils of the region. Their approach is thoughtful and traditional, emphasizing careful vineyard cultivation, limited intervention in the cellar and wines that express their origins rather than a particular winemaking style.

Ammonites is one of the domaine's most distinctive wines, produced only in favorable vintages from selected parcels of mature Sauvignon Blanc vines averaging 45 years of age. The name comes from the ancient marine fossils embedded in the vineyard's Kimmeridgian limestone and marl, remnants of the sea that covered this part of France approximately 145 million years ago. The brothers farm these vineyards without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides, encouraging natural ground cover and working the soils mechanically. The estate holds High Environmental Value certification, reflecting its commitment to responsible farming.

Unlike many Sancerres fermented entirely in stainless steel, Ammonites undergoes native fermentation in older 600-liter French oak barrels, followed by twelve months of aging on fine lees. This gives the wine additional texture and complexity without overwhelming its mineral character. The 2022 combines ripe lemon, white peach and citrus blossom with crushed stone, subtle herbal notes and a long, saline finish. Production is limited to approximately 400–800 cases in years when the wine is made.

We selected Ammonites because it shows how compelling Sauvignon Blanc becomes when mature vines, exceptional soils and patient winemaking come together. This is not simply another crisp Sancerre for the aperitif. It has the depth and structure to accompany an elegant dinner, with the freshness and mineral precision that make the Loire Valley so distinctive.