Quincy AOP neighbors the Sancerre vineyard and is located about 10 miles southwest of Sancerre and Pouilly.

The Quincy vineyard is planted on a Kimmeridgian marl plateau, hanging over the Cher River; it is covered by a mixture of alluvium, sandy and clay soil. This mixture drains well the excess water, but the marl stone at the base preserves it, hence protecting the vines from dry spells. The vineyard benefits from the relatively warm and dry local climate.

The 2012 Quincy from Domaine de Chevilly is the latest addition to our Loire Valley wine selection. Domaine de Chevilly is owned and run by husband and wife team, Yves and Géraldine Lestourgie; Géraldine is the oenologist and winemaker. This domain is considered one of the best in Quincy.

The 10 hectare vineyard is planted solely with Sauvignon Blanc. The average age of vines is 25 years with some 40 year old parcels. The soil is sand and gravel which gives the wine a mineral character with citrus flavors and flinty notes.

The 2012 Domaine de Chevilly Quincy exhibits a pale gold color with green hues and delicate aromas and flavors of citrus, star fruit and white flowers, balanced by solid mineral core and bright acidity. The long finish is dominated by ripe citrus fruit flavors. This wine could be served as aperitif or paired with multitude of seafood dishes, grilled fish and mixed salads. My favorite pairing is Quincy with the local goat cheese, Crottin de Chavignol.

Priced at $16.99 the Quincy is a more economical alternative to Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwineatanas