Emile Balland, Sancerre Croq Caillotte 2024

Get to know: Emile Balland, Sancerre Croq Caillotte

A zesty, mineral-driven Sancerre that’s all about clarity, freshness and finesse.

Tasting Note

This is textbook Sancerre, made by one of the region’s rising stars. The name “Croq Caillotte” refers to the stony limestone soils (caillottes) that give this wine its trademark crunch and minerality. Expect bright citrus, green apple and a whisper of elderflower, wrapped around a core of wet stone and zingy acidity.

Fresh, pure and elegant – this is the sort of Sauvignon Blanc that made Sancerre famous. Dry, precise and incredibly drinkable.

Top food pairings:

• Asparagus with lemon vinaigrette or grilled courgettes 
• Goat’s cheese salad or Crottin de Chavignol
• Fresh oysters or pan-fried sea bass

Classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc with precision and poise – perfect for fans of crisp, clean whites.

Kate Says

“If you’re after that steely, mineral style of Sancerre – this is it. Light on its feet but packed with flavour, it’s the kind of white that makes you sit up and take notice. An elegant match for seafood or just a sunny evening in the garden.”

Producer Info

Emile Balland is a small-scale grower based in the village of Bué, one of the top spots for Sancerre. He farms just a few hectares of vines with real attention to detail and respect for the land. Everything is done with minimal intervention and a deep focus on expressing the terroir – especially the unique “caillottes” soils that lend this wine its name and crisp, chalky texture.

2024 was a beautifully balanced vintage in the Loire Valley, offering wines with freshness, precision and aromatic lift. “Croq Caillotte” shows off Emile’s light touch in the cellar – fermented in stainless steel, no oak, just pure fruit and limestone expression.

How it’s made:

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc from limestone-rich vineyards in Bué, Sancerre
• Harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel
• Aged on fine lees for extra texture and elegance
• No oak – just freshness, minerality and precision

Good to know:

• Region: Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• ABV: Approx. 13%
• Style: Dry, mineral white
• Vegan: Yes

Why we love it:

It's everything you want from a top-notch Sancerre – crisp, clean, and brimming with citrus and chalk. A standout Sauvignon Blanc that’s as refined as it is refreshing.