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Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy

Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy took on the running of this domaine when their father retired in 1993. Based to the north of Sancerre in Maimbray, a small hamlet not far from Verdigny and Chavignol, since taking control the brothers have expanded and improved their domaine year by year, the portfolio of vineyards climbing from 3.5 hectares to a more respectable 11 hectares over that time. The vines, with an average age of over 26 years, are located in Maimbray and in nearby Sury en Vaux, on the steep chalk hills which typify the region. With time the duo were turning out benchmark examples of the appellation, and were surely one of the most reliable domaines. In later 2007, however, tragedy struck, with the death of Nicolas when he and his brother were felling a tree. A branch fell to earth and struck him, and the injuries were apparently severe. Nicolas died later in hospital.

The domaine's reputation concerns both red and white cuvées, and there is also a rosé produced here. In the vineyard, yields are restricted and fruit is hand harvested. Each plot is fermented separately, and the cellar is well equipped with the option of stainless steel or wood for the fermentation and, naturally, temperature control to preserve the freshness that characterises the white wines of the region.

There are several white cuvées, starting with the straight Sancerre, and the Terre de Maimbray bottlings. Then comes Les Coûtes, from a single hillside plot of 50 year old vines, harvested at 45 hl/ha, followed by the Vielles Vignes, made from vines aged over 60 years, mostly from a single plot, harvested at less than 40 hl/ha, and fermented in old oak or acacia. All the wines rest on their lees over the winter, before bottling the following spring..

The red portfolio is just as impressive as the white; it also includes straight Sancerre and Terre de Maimbray bottlings, and is capped off by the Evolution cuvée. Altogether the domaine turns out over 7000 cases per annum, and enjoys exports to the USA and the UK. Be wary, however, if shopping for Reverdy Sancerre; this is a common name, and there are approaching a dozen similarly named domaines dotted around the town. Watch out for Hippolyte Reverdy, Bailly-Reverdy, Jean Reverdy et Fils, Domaine Reverdy-Cadet, Daniel Reverdy and father and son team Bernard and Noel Reverdy, to name a few. Some turn out very acceptable wines, others perhaps not. (23/5/06)

Contact details:
Address: Maimbray, 18300 Sury-en-Vaux
Telephone: +33 (0) 2 48 79 37 31
Fax: +33 (0) 2 48 79 41 48

Domaine Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy - Tasting Notes

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Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray 2005: In the glass it has a fairly pale hue, nothing out of the ordinary. The nose, though, does offer something quite special; although it carries the fresh, grassy, gooseberry fruit of the Sauvignon Blanc there is also an evident seam of minerality, like gunpowder or powdered rocks. This is a wine of considerable aromatic depth and interest. The palate has a fresh vibrancy that I adore, with a firm weight and presence in the mouth. Through the midpalate it maintains this fresh, mineral acidity and it stays lively to the finish, where it lingers a little while. This is a wine of character which is delicious for drinking now, but which will surely improve over a year or two in the cellar. Excellent. For label images and more see my Wine of the Week write-up. 18/20 (March 2008)

Pascal & Nicolas verdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray Rouge 2003: This wine has an appealing depth of colour in the glass, perhaps reflecting the warmth of the vintage. Nice aromas on the nose, cherry-beetroot fruit with little nuances of mushroom. On the palate it seems somewhat detached, lean, ungiving, although at times there are little flurries of pleasure when the wine seems to pick up a little body to compensate for the prominent acidity. Nice flavour though, if a little earthy and perhaps rather coarsely presented. 14.5/20 (May 2006) Label

Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rouge 2002: This wine has a pale raspberry red hue in the glass, with a grey-orange rim, and is quite transparent. On the nose it offers some very feral, horsy, furry, cherry Pinot fruit which carries through onto the palate, where there is rather a coarse, cottony feel. It has a rather rustic character, with a lean yet oil-trimmed texture lying over a seam of tannins which have a rather simple air. This offers an interesting view of what Pinot Noir can do in the hills around Sancerre, but I find this wine to be more of academic interest than pleasurable. 13.5/20 (May 2006) Label