Joseph Mellot, Now Imported Under the Albert Bichot USA Portfolio

“Once, I tried Sancerre Rouge Le Rabault in a boutique hotel in Manhattan, and it was my first time trying a Sancerre Red. It was bright, with minerality, and still had tannins that were perfect to pair with a warm mushroom quiche. Since then, I have been following this producer, and now I am happy to share the news that Joseph Mellot will have a new importer starting this fall. ” – Martha Cisneros Paja, author, writer, and content creator at winedivaa.com

Joseph Mellot, Now Imported Under the Albert Bichot USA Portfolio

Albert Bichot USA is set to launch the collection of outstanding wines from producer Joseph Mellot as part of its importer portfolio this fall. The core wines available to the US market include VDF Blanc Sincérité Sauvignon Blanc, Menetou-Salon Blanc Le Clos du Pressoir, Pouilly-Fumé Le Troncsec, and Sancerre Blanc La Chatellenie, among others.

These wines offer a variety of flavors and are priced between $19 and $106. Joseph Mellot, with a history dating back to 1513, has a strong legacy in Sancerre and has contributed significantly to the wine industry.

The winery is committed to quality, eco-responsibility, and sustainability, focusing on environmentally responsible viticulture, reflecting the same philosophy at the core of Domaines Albert Bichot.

Historic Family-Owned French Wine Producer Joseph Mellot, Now Imported Under the Albert Bichot USA Portfolio

(July 2, 2024 – Sancerre, France) – Albert Bichot USA will launch the collection of outstanding wines from producer Joseph Mellot as part of its importer portfolio this fall.

Offering several varietals across eight AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in Centre-Loire, the core wines available to the US market include:

• VDF Blanc Sincérité Sauvignon Blanc [$17] – A brilliant robe of light yellow. A superb typical Sauvignon, with broom and citrus notes, brings a lovely freshness to this wine. A nice balance where the freshness brings its liveliness.

• Menetou-Salon Blanc Le Clos du Pressoir [$40]—It is Yellow in color with slightly green reflections. The nose is intense and complex, revealing notes of quince jelly, mimosa, and a touch of mint. The palate is ample and fresh. Lemony notes and guava paste come together pleasantly, leaving a salty finish with a nice balance.

• Pouilly-Fumé Le Troncsec [$43]—This wine has an Intense yellow color with slight green reflections. White-fleshed fruits complement its beautiful citrus nose. The fresh minerality in the mouth and a frank and powerful finish bring a beautiful persistence to this wine.

• Sancerre Blanc La Chatellenie [$45] is pale gold with green highlights. The nose is robust, with citrus fruits and a beautiful minerality combining pleasantly. There is balance and a nice freshness composed of citrus fruits ranging from lemon to grapefruit. There is a nice tension that prolongs the finish.

Joseph Mellot prestige award-winning wines

A variety of terroir and prestige award-winning wines are also available with select availability, including:

• Menetou-Salon Blanc Les Thureaux [$45]—Light yellow in color, this is a fine wine with floral and light lemon notes. It is mineral and soft, with a straight, firm, and suave side. The palate is fleshy and persistent, combining floral and fruity notes with elegance.

• Sancerre Rouge Le Rabault [$56] – Light ruby in color with intense and delicate notes of cherries and black fruits with touches of pepper. Beautiful tannins reveal the freshness of this red wine. Well-balanced between the fruitiness and delicacy of the tannins and with excellent length.

• Pouilly-Fumé Domaine des Mariniers [$60]—(in conversion Organic growing)—Yellow in color with hints of green. It has an intense and fresh citrus background and a slightly animated taste. It has a mineral and elegant mouth bursting with citrus aromas such as bergamot and lemon. Beautiful salinity gives the wine freshness.

• Sancerre Blanc Domaine des Emois [$68] –(Organic growing) Gold in color with a nose of Intense aromas of yellow fruits and broom. Full, well-balanced, and complex, with beautiful freshness at the end. The finish is long and fruity.

• Sancerre Blanc Pierre Etienne [$116] – The top wine from this producer was named for the founder of the Mellot dynasty in 1513. Yellow and golden in color are signatures of barrel aging. Lightly smoked and spicy at first nose. Citrus fruit and mineral notes.

• Sancerre Blanc la Grande Chatelaine [$106] —Aged in barrels, this wine has rich and powerful tones. It is limp and golden in color, and its nose is very delicate, with notes of spices, exotic fruits (coconut, mango), and flowers. Vanilla notes appear when aerated due to aging.

Maison Joseph Mellot values quality, eco-responsibility, sharing, and transmission.

Sustainability and environmentally responsible viticulture are at the heart of winemaking at the Joseph Mellot estate. This philosophy it also reflects at the core of Domaines Albert Bichot.  By managing yields, monitoring plots, and enhancing soil health with modern crop management techniques, they respect their soil. They ensure they harvest grapes that express their full potential every autumn. Furthermore, Joseph Mellot has been High Environmental Value (HVE) certified since 2019 . This certification serves as the latest step towards achieving Joseph Mellot’s original goal of living in harmony with the land that he first put forth in 1969.

Jim Opalka, President of Albert Bichot USA, states, “Led by Catherine Corbeau-Mellot, Maison Joseph Mellot adheres to its fundamental tenets of quality and eco-responsibility. With these practices in mind, they work to bring the most exceptional wines to the market while respecting the environment and biodiversity of Mellot’s AOCs. Initially, we will launch in 28 markets and expand our partnership to include all markets over the next 24 months. We are excited to bring their exquisite varietals to the US under the Albert Bichot USA umbrella.”

About Joseph Mellot

Joseph Mellot’s history in Sancerre dates back five centuries to 1513, with Pierre-Etienne Mellot being the first in a long line of winemakers. His descendant, César Mellot, was appointed advisor to King Louis XIV at the end of the 17th century. Throughout the generations, Domaine Joseph Mellot has strongly expanded by acquiring additional wine estates to become a true ambassador for the finest wines of the Centre-Loire region.

In the 1920s, Alphonse Mellot brought his wines to Paris, adding recognition to Sancerre. His legacy was continued by his sons, Edmond and Joseph, who succeeded him in 1946. 1969, the two brothers parted ways, with Joseph opening his winery. He went on to establish the first example of eco-sustainable agriculture in the Centre-Loire region, which was further improved by his son, Alexandre.

Since 2005 is directed by Catherine Corbeau-Mellot. Therefore, Catherine continues with passion and talent the work of her husband Alexandre and his ancestors, the Maison Joseph Mellot is very attached to its fundamental values of quality, eco-responsibility, sharing, and transmission.

About Albert Bichot USA

Albert Bichot USA is a leading wine importer of esteemed French wines. Their portfolio includes Domaines Albert Bichot, Maison Lorgeril, Champagne Mandois, and Joseph Mellot. The national sales team, led by President Jim Opalka, is known for its fine wine expertise, industry relationships, and extraordinary service to its brand. Their approach to sales extends beyond sales to marketing, brand development, and a long-term commitment to client relations.  The group continues to build its portfolio with exceptional brands with a similar core philosophy focused on quality and eco-responsibility.