Since 1980, Jacky Gilson has been a grower and winemaker in the tiny, forgotten Burgundy region of Saint-Bris. In fact, the appellation was only created in 2003. It lies just 10 miles west of Chablis and is the only one permitted to use Sauvignon Blanc in its wines. Jacky himself grows both Sauvignon and Aligoté in his 40 hectares of vines, specialising in tantalisingly fresh, pure, crisp whites.
Hard work in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the cellar makes for very pure fruit whites, big on aromatics and with a core of freshness. Aged on its lees for six months, it has roundness too. Chill and enjoy as an apéritif, with garlicky snails or grilled fish. And from such an exceptional vintage, there is no rush with this wine.
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Sunday Bay is a phenomenon. Kiwi Sauvignon is by far our most popular style, and our range is full of standout examples. So it’s a huge statement that Sunday Bay, year after year, is the one our customers rate highest and re-order most. It's made by an award-winning family winery, who were some of the first pioneers of the Marlborough region. Phil and Chris Rose founded the estate back in 1978, now their five children have joined them, so it's very much a family affair.
Their Sunday Bay is a classic Sauvignon. Exuberant grapefruit and grassy nettle character with a bright citrus zip; all the usual Marlborough pizzazz and more. It’s very moreish solo or makes the perfect partner to all sorts of seafood, spicy stir-fry or Thai fish cakes.
You couldn’t hope to find Sauvignon of this quality for the price in any of the Loire’s more famous regions, like Sancerre or Pouilly. Blended from the year’s tastiest vats, this wine is as subtle and complex as it is refreshing and zingy. It’s made exclusively for us by our trusted friend Franck Chatelain at Noël Bougrier’s renowned cellar in the Touraine. The original Abbesse was one Louise de Bourbon of the nearby Abbaye de Fontevraud and a major figure in Loire history. This delicious expression of the region’s reigning grape, Sauvignon Blanc, is a fitting tribute to her. With its appealing, crisp, lemony fruit and zippy freshness, it’s delicious on its own any time and goes ever so well with goat’s cheese and lighter fish dishes.
